Nasturtium Black Velvet

Nasturtium Black Velvet — variety description

Nasturtium Black Velvet (Tropaeolum nanum) is an annual flower of the nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae). Easy to grow, easy to maintain and a popular garden plant.

The flowers come in various colours.

Black Velvet has very beautiful, dark chestnut-brown, almost black flowers with a contrasting heart.

The flowers, leaves and seeds of this plant are edible. The flowers have a distinctive, slightly peppery taste. Use them as a colourful addition to salads and soups.

Nasturtium is a cheerful and fully edible flower: the flowers and leaves have a spicy, cress-like taste and decorate salads. The dwarf varieties are for borders and pots, the climbing ones cover fences.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 77%
• Seeds per packet: 6–9 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: India
• Sowing: May; direct
• Flowering: March and April
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Nasturtium Black Velvet

Nasturtium Black Velvet seeds are sown in May. The plants flower in March and April. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Nasturtium Black Velvet

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 2 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm (dwarf), 40–50 cm (climbing)
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

For earlier flowering they can be sown indoors in spring at a temperature of 15 to 18°C. Sow in peat pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep the compost surface moist but not waterlogged; germination usually takes 14 to 21 days. Transplant into larger pots if necessary, or directly into their final position. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 10 to 15 days before planting out after any risk of frost has passed.

Sow directly after the last frosts; soak the seeds for a few hours. Do not fertilise: in rich soil nasturtium produces leaves instead of flowers.

Flowering and uses

The flowers, leaves and green seeds are edible, for salads, sandwiches and "fake capers".

Frequently asked questions

When should Nasturtium Black Velvet be sown?

The recommended month for sowing is May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 6–9 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 77%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Is nasturtium edible?

Yes: the flowers and leaves have a sharp, cress-like taste, and the green seeds can be pickled like capers.

Why is my nasturtium not flowering?

The soil is too rich or it has been fed with nitrogen. Nasturtium flowers best in poorer soil in the sun.