Tropaeolum majus Ice Cream Sundae

The 'Ice Cream Sundae' dwarf nasturtium, known by its Latin name Tropaeolum majus, is a compact and bushy annual, ideal for borders or pots. The plant, with its lovely rounded foliage, produces bright yellow flowers speckled with scarlet red, forming a star-shaped pattern at the edges and centre. The flowers gradually evolve and mature towards red. Growing from seed is easy, and its cultivation is within everyone's reach.

Tropaeolum majus is a climbing or creeping annual plant native to South America, belonging to the Tropaeolaceae family. It has given rise to numerous varieties and forms, some of which remain dwarf and compact with a rather bushy habit. 'Ice Cream Sundae' forms a small clump 30 to 35 cm high and 30 cm in spread in just a few weeks. It blooms from June to September, producing numerous flowers with 5 petals and a spur. In our climates, it is mainly pollinated by bumblebees. The flowering is followed by fruits containing seeds slightly smaller than peas, which are easy to sow. The foliage consists of round, peltate leaves with radiating veins, in a vibrant and fresh green colour.

'Ice Cream Sundae' nasturtium can be sown directly in place in spring in borders, rockeries, and flower pots. It grows rapidly, blooms from June until the first frost and covers the ground, or cascades from a pot. Its foliage is initially very ornamental thanks to its round and upright shape. It quickly becomes covered with abundant and cheerful flowers. Combine it with other floriferous and informal plants such as lavenders or asters, other annuals like Cosmos, Zinnias, and Marigolds.

The beautiful nasturtium finds its way into the kitchen, where its leaves and flowers can be added raw to salads, sauces, and mayonnaise. They have a pungent and aromatic flavour reminiscent of watercress. The flower buds and young fruits are sometimes preserved in vinegar, providing a substitute for capers.