Tropaeolum Tip Top Formula Mixture Seeds - Nasturnium

The Tip-Top Nasturtium 'Formula Mixture', known by its Latin name Tropaeolum minus, is a generous dwarf variety with flowers that offer a mix of colours in warm tones such as bright red, burgundy, butter yellow, soft orange, and peach. It forms a diverse bunch of nasturtiums on its bluish-green foliage. Compact and non-trailing, this small annual is well-suited for ornamental purposes in pots or small garden borders. Both the flowers and foliage are edible, with a peppery flavour.

Tropaeolum minus or dwarf nasturtium belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It is native to South America, endemic to the mountainous regions of Ecuador and Peru. The Nasturtium offers beautiful flowers in bold colours, ranging from yellow to red, and beautiful round leaves. 'Formula Mixture' develops a compact, non-trailing habit and quickly forms a clump of 30 cm in all directions. Its pretty umbrella-like, bluish-green leaves are covered with trumpet-shaped flowers in a mix of warm colours.

The Nasturtium is very easy to grow, it can be sown directly in place in spring. It grows quickly, blooms from June until the first frost, covers the ground or cascades from a pot. Whether in borders or at the front of flower beds, its foliage is initially very ornamental thanks to its round and upright shape. It quickly becomes covered in abundant and cheerful flowers. Pair it with other floriferous and effortless plants such as lavenders or asters, other annuals like Cosmos, Zinnias, and Marigolds.

To top it off, all parts of the plant are edible: the leaves and flowers in salads, as well as the seeds, pickled in vinegar, like capers. It does attract aphids, which are fond of it. However, do not be put off from growing this lovely plant: in the vegetable garden and orchard, it is an advantage as it serves as a diversion (while also providing valuable food for ladybug larvae) and thus protects your crops.