Tropaeolum majus Troika Mix - Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus 'Troika' Mix brings together the four nasturtium varieties of the 'Troika' series. These compact, trailing nasturtiums are ideal for planters and hanging baskets, bringing colour to the summer season. Their stems are covered with small flowers and round leaves randomly variegated with white. They form cheerful cascades on patios and beautiful carpets in borders. They are easy to grow and are within reach of every gardener.

Tropaeolum majus is a climbing or creeping annual plant native to South America. It belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It has given rise to many varieties and forms, some of which remain dwarf and compact with a rather creeping habit, such as the 'Troika' series. This series was bred in the Netherlands by the grain manufacturer Van Hermert & Co. Each plant forms a small clump measuring 20 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in height and 1 to 1.20m (3 to 4ft) in width. It blooms from June to September, producing an abundance of 5-petalled flowers with spurs. 'Cream' has creamy-yellow flowers with reddish-brown in the centre, 'Orange' is pure mandarin orange, 'Red' is dark red, and 'Yellow' is golden yellow with light red spots. In our climates, bumblebees pollinate nasturtiums. Flowering is followed by the formation of fruits containing seeds that are a little smaller than peas, which are easy to sow. The foliage is composed of round, peltate, radiant-veined, bright and fresh green leaves, randomly splashed or speckled with creamy-white.

Sow this mix in borders, rockeries, flower pots, or hanging baskets. It can grow almost anywhere if it finds a little moisture at its base and plenty of sun to boost its flowering. It can be planted in vegetable plots and orchards, where it will help keep insect pests away from other crops.

The leaves and flowers can be added raw to salads, sauces, and mayonnaise. They have a pungent and aromatic flavour reminiscent of watercress. Flower buds and young fruits are sometimes preserved in vinegar, providing a substitute for capers. The brightly coloured flowers of the 'Troika' varieties are complementary to blue and white tones. Pair them with the annual Lobelia 'Hot Water Blue' and the light white bloom of Euphorbia 'Diamond Snow'.

It is a medicinal and aromatic plant.