Nasturtium Seeds - Empress of India
Best edible flower for gardeners seeking vibrant color and peppery flavor.
Cultivate the vibrant Empress of India Nasturtium, an annual flower celebrated for its striking bright red blossoms that contrast beautifully with deep green, lilypad-like foliage. This variety is not only visually appealing but also offers edible leaves and flowers, imparting a delightful peppery, watercress flavor perfect for culinary creations like salads and pestos. Its naturally low-growing and bushy habit makes it an ideal addition to any garden space. For optimal growth, sow seeds directly after the last frost in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Scarifying seeds beforehand is recommended to enhance germination.
$3.95
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4.6
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3139
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#3139 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Botanical Name
_Tropaeolum nanum_
/ _Tropaeolum nanum_
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact visual drama in their flower beds
- Home cooks looking for unique, edible garden-to-table ingredients
- Urban gardeners with limited patio or balcony space
Who should skip it
- Organic gardeners worried about managing heavy pest infestations
- Gardeners living in regions with intense, scorching summer climates
- Impatient growers wanting quick, no-fuss seed germination
Performance breakdown
Culinary Versatility
Peppery blooms and foliage elevate salads and pestos with ease.
Visual Impact
Striking red blossoms create a bold contrast against deep green foliage.
Growth Habit
Compact, bushy structure fits perfectly into smaller garden beds.
Germination Ease
Requires seed scarification to achieve consistent and reliable sprouting results.
Maintenance Requirements
Deadheading regularly keeps the plant producing vibrant flowers all season.
Pollinator Appeal
Not specifically bred to attract bees or butterflies to your garden.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
_Tropaeolum nanum_
Minimum Seeds per Packet
20
Packet Weight
3.5g
Planting Season
Spring, After Last Frost
Sowing Method
Direct Seed
Seed Depth
1/2” (1.27 cm)
Mature Spacing
8-12 inches (20.32-30.48 cm)
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Features
- Edible spicy leaves and flowers
- Produces bright red, jewel-like blooms
- Low-growing, bushy plant habit
- Annual flowering cycle
- Encourages more blooms with deadheading
- Distinctive lilypad-shaped leaves
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Empress of India nasturtium seeds for exceptional quality and stunning visual results. The core theme is the dramatic beauty delivered with reliable performance. Reviewers consistently report high, vigorous germination rates. The mature plants feature vibrant, velvety crimson flowers set against unique dark blue green foliage, creating a striking contrast perfect for containers and borders. Many appreciate the edible leaves and flowers, noting their peppery flavor. These seeds offer excellent value, providing a hardy, low maintenance, and highly productive heirloom addition to any garden space. The overall consensus confirms these seeds perform exactly as expected.
Know before you buy
Yes, both the vibrant red flowers and the lilypad-shaped leaves are edible. They have a distinct, peppery flavor similar to watercress, making them a great addition to salads or pestos.
Scarifying involves gently nicking or scratching the hard outer seed coat to allow moisture to penetrate more easily. This process significantly improves and speeds up the germination rate for nasturtium seeds.
While these plants have a compact, bushy habit, they are not recommended for container gardening. They perform best when sown directly into well-draining garden soil.
To encourage a steady supply of blooms, practice deadheading by removing the faded or spent flowers. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and redirects it toward new growth.
You should sow these seeds directly into the ground in the spring, specifically after the danger of the last frost has passed. They require full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
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