Nasturtium Emperor

What Nasturtium Emperor is

Nasturtium Emperor (Tropaeolum majus) is an annual flower of the nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae). A mass of dark red flowers with golden-yellow throats covers the sprawling, spreading stems of this vigorous variety.

Perfect for covering banks, filling beds and borders, or spilling from baskets and indoor containers.

The peppery taste of the leaves and the colourful flowers will enrich salads, and the unripe seeds can be used as capers, delicious combined with cream cheese.

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: 80%
• Seeds per packet: 13–18 pcs (2 g)
• Seed origin: Tanzania
• Sowing: February and March; direct
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Nasturtium Emperor

Nasturtium Emperor seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from July to October. 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 Emperor

• 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

It is recommended to sow the seeds directly outdoors in spring. Seedlings do not always transplant well into the garden when started indoors. Before sowing nasturtium seeds, soak the seeds overnight in warm water. The next day, plant the flower seed 1/2 cm deep in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun every day. Work the soil so that it is fine and light. Flowers will appear 8 - 12 weeks after sowing.

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 Emperor be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 13–18 seeds, pack size 2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 80%. 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.