Nasturtium Seeds Indian Chief
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking edible, pest-repelling floral beauty.
Embrace the striking beauty of Nasturtium 'Indian Chief', a tall-growing annual that showcases dignified ruby-colored blooms against bronzed, dark green foliage. This heirloom variety can reach up to 60 inches and thrives outdoors in full sun to partial shade. Celebrated for its ease of growth, drought tolerance, and potential to deter garden pests as a companion plant, it adds both beauty and function to your garden. The vibrant flowers are also edible, offering a unique culinary touch. For best results, soak seeds overnight before planting in spring.
$5.49
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4.7
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Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-48%
Below average
Botanical Name
Tropaeolum majus
/ Tropaeolum majus
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, sophisticated color contrast
- Home cooks wanting edible, peppery garden-to-table ingredients
- Beginner gardeners needing low-maintenance, reliable blooms
Who should skip it
- Residents of regions with intense, prolonged summer heat
- Gardeners unwilling to manage frequent aphid infestations
- Small-space growers concerned about aggressive, sprawling foliage
Performance breakdown
Growth Versatility
Thrives in diverse climates across zones three through ten.
Maintenance Effort
Highly forgiving plant that demands very little from the gardener.
Pest Deterrence
Acts as a natural guardian for surrounding vegetable garden crops.
Culinary Utility
Edible blooms provide a peppery, vibrant garnish for creative dishes.
Visual Impact
Striking ruby flowers and dark foliage create a dramatic aesthetic.
Climbing Potential
Reaches impressive heights, perfect for vertical garden displays and trellises.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Tropaeolum majus
Seed Type
Heirloom, Open Pollinated
Plant Height
Up to 60 inches
Planting Depth
1/2 inch
Plant Spacing
8 to 12 inches
Hardiness Zones
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth Habit
Climbing
Features
- Dignified ruby-colored blooms
- Bronzed, dark green foliage
- Heirloom pollinator attractor
- Easy to grow and low maintenance
- Edible flowers for culinary use
- Drought tolerant
- Tolerant of poor soil
- Repels garden pests
What customers say
Gardeners consistently praise the Indian Chief nasturtium seeds for their exceptional germination rate. These seeds sprout quickly and reliably across various soil types, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced growers. The resulting deep crimson flowers are vibrant and true to their advertised color, offering excellent visual appeal. Customers find these seeds provide great value, delivering dependable performance and a strong yield for a satisfying gardening experience.
Know before you buy
Yes, both the flowers and leaves of this variety are edible. They offer a peppery, radish-like flavor that makes a vibrant addition to salads or a unique garnish for culinary dishes.
For the best germination results, soak the seeds in water overnight before planting. This helps soften the hard seed coat and encourages faster sprouting once they are in the soil.
These are container-friendly, though keep in mind that they are a climbing variety that can reach up to 60 inches. You will need a sturdy trellis or support structure if you want them to climb, or you can allow them to trail over the edges of a large pot.
Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants because they can act as a trap crop, drawing aphids and other pests away from your vegetables. Their strong scent can also help deter certain garden insects.
Indian Chief thrives in full sun to partial shade. While they are quite hardy, providing at least six hours of sunlight will encourage the most prolific blooming and maintain the deep color of the foliage.
Not at all. In fact, nasturtiums often perform better in poorer soils; overly rich soil can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production. They are a low-maintenance choice that tolerates less-than-ideal conditions well.
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