Nasturtium Seeds - Empress of India

Name: Nasturtium Seeds - Empress of India
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: FL135
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Deep crimson blooms and dark foliage make this compact nasturtium a stunning edible ornamental.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: FL135

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Unveil a tapestry of deep crimson petals with the Nasturtium Seeds - Empress of India. This exquisite cultivar offers a compact, trailing growth habit, reaching heights of up to 12 inches, making it an ideal choice for containers or as a vibrant ground cover. Known for its rich, jewel-toned blooms, this variety matures in approximately 60 days, providing a stunning display throughout the growing season.

Empress of India is celebrated not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its culinary versatility. The peppery, slightly sweet flavor of the flowers and leaves adds a unique touch to salads and garnishes. Harvest the edible blooms and foliage regularly to encourage prolific flowering and enjoy the continuous wave of color and taste they bring to your garden and kitchen.

Thriving best in full sun, these nasturtiums are drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care once established. Their vibrant blossoms attract beneficial pollinators, enhancing the health of your garden ecosystem. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate a garden classic that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical uses, enriching your gardening experience with each bloom.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Tropaeolum majus var. majus

Maturity

60-69 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Vertical, Wildflower meadow, Habitat restoration, Indoor growing

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Empress of India' (Tropaeolum majus)Insects & MitesAphids (leaf curling, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Spray aphid colonies with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days as needed. Disrupt ant trails to prevent them from protecting aphids. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting companion plants such as dill and yarrow.Cabbage Loopers (chewed leaves, visible green caterpillars)Controls: Handpick caterpillars from plants. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a biological control. Use floating row covers to protect young plants. Encourage natural predators like birds by providing habitat.DiseasesDowny Mildew (yellow spots on leaves, white fungal growth)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry. Remove and destroy affected plant parts. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure.Bacterial Leaf Spot (dark, water-soaked spots on leaves)Controls: Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf wetness. Remove infected leaves promptly. Rotate crops and avoid planting nasturtiums in the same spot each year. Use disease-free seeds and practice good garden hygiene.Physiological & Environmental IssuesNutrient Deficiency (yellowing leaves, poor growth)Controls: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels. Amend soil with balanced organic fertilizers or compost. Ensure adequate watering to facilitate nutrient uptake.Heat Stress (wilting, leaf scorch)Controls: Provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture. Water deeply and consistently to prevent stress.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of aphids and cabbage loopers.- Maintain good air circulation to prevent downy mildew.- Avoid overhead watering to reduce bacterial leaf spot risk.- Conduct soil tests and amend as needed to prevent nutrient deficiencies.- Provide shade and mulch to protect against heat stress.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion plants.

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Nasturtium, the illustrious Empress of India, emerges from the vibrant and sun-kissed landscapes of South America, yet it has found a regal place in gardens worldwide. The name itself is imbued with grandeur: Empress of India, a title that evokes images of exotic beauty and imperial splendor. Some say the name reflects the plant's striking deep crimson blooms that stand out like royal jewels against their lush green foliage; others believe it symbolizes the plant's ability to reign supreme in any garden with its ease of growth and vibrant display.For centuries, nasturtiums have been cherished not only for their ornamental allure but for their culinary and medicinal virtues. In their native regions, indigenous peoples used the peppery leaves and blossoms to enhance the flavor of dishes, adding a spicy note to salads and garnishes. The plant's natural antibiotic properties were harnessed in traditional remedies, where infusions of leaves were used to treat respiratory ailments and promote overall health. In European gardens, the Empress of India became a symbol of Victorian horticultural elegance, its trailing vines and vivid flowers gracing the most sophisticated landscapes.Though it has long been a gardener's favorite, the wider world came to appreciate the Empress of India during the Victorian era, when explorers and botanists brought seeds back from their travels. Its ease of cultivation and striking appearance made it a popular choice in both cottage gardens and grand estates. The plant's adaptability and resilience were celebrated, as it thrived in poor soils and required minimal care, making it accessible to gardeners of all skill levels.Nasturtiums also became a botanical curiosity. The plant belongs to the Tropaeolum genus, distinct from the true watercress (Nasturtium officinale) despite sharing a common name. Its unique ability to repel pests and attract beneficial insects has made it a staple in companion planting, where it protects more delicate crops from harm.Although other ornamental plants have come and gone in fashion, the Empress of India remains a beloved staple, a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility. It is the flower that graces garden beds, window boxes, and culinary creations alike, its legacy woven into the fabric of horticultural history.Yet in every garden where it blooms, the Empress of India is more than just a pretty face. It is a symbol of resilience and beauty, a living connection to the past and a reminder of the plant's journey from the wilds of South America to the hearts of gardeners worldwide. To cultivate Nasturtium today is to partake in a story of exploration and discovery, honoring both the ancient cultures that first cherished its fiery blooms and the modern gardeners who continue to celebrate its legacy.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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