Nasturtium Indian Chief

Nasturtium Indian Chief — variety description

Nasturtium Indian Chief (Tropaeolum majus) is an annual flower of the nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae). Another classic variety is this superb climbing type with dark foliage and bright scarlet double flowers.

And like all its companions, so easy to grow.

It prefers poor soil; if the soil is too rich, leaves are produced at the expense of flowers.

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%
• Pack size: 1 g
• Seed origin: India
• Sowing: February – April; direct
• Flowering: June – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Nasturtium Indian Chief

Nasturtium Indian Chief seeds are sown in February – April. The plants flower from June 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 Indian Chief

• 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

Sow directly from March to May where they are to flower. Sow thinly at 20 mm deep in drills of finely prepared soil that has been raked to a fine tilth. Leave 30 cm between rows. Cover the seed with soil and water. Seedlings appear after 10-12 days. Thin to 30 cm spacing when they are large enough to handle.

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 Indian Chief be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February – April. Sowing method: direct.

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.