Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ (Tropaeolum majus) – Deep crimson edible blooms contrast with dark foliage, thriving in containers and garden beds.

Minimum: 10+ Seeds

Bring a royal touch to your garden with Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’, an heirloom variety renowned for its deep crimson blooms and striking blue-green foliage. This compact, non-trailing nasturtium is perfect for containers, garden beds, and borders, offering vibrant color and edible flowers throughout the season. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, this variety thrives in poor soil, rewarding you with lush growth and continuous blooms.

Key Features:

✔ Rich Crimson Blooms – Velvety, deep-red flowers stand out against dark green foliage.
✔ Edible & Versatile – Peppery leaves, buds, and flowers add a zesty kick to salads, garnishes, and teas.
✔ Compact & Non-Trailing – Ideal for containers, edging, and smaller gardens.
✔ Attracts Pollinators – Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
✔ Drought-Tolerant & Low-Maintenance – Thrives in poor soil with minimal care.
✔ Natural Pest Repellent – Helps deter aphids and whiteflies, making it a companion plant favorite.

Ideal for:

🌿 Edible & Medicinal Gardens – Adds a spicy, nutritious element to homegrown dishes.
🌸 Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens – Supports bees and butterflies with nectar-rich blooms.
🏡 Container & Balcony Gardens – Thrives in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
🌾 Low-Maintenance Landscapes – Perfect for drought-prone and urban gardens.
🌻 Companion Planting – Protects vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and brassicas by deterring pests.

Growing Information:

🌱 Plant Type: Annual
📏 Mature Height: 12-16 inches
📐 Spread: 12-14 inches
☀️ Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
💧 Watering Needs: Low to Moderate (drought-tolerant once established)
🌿 Soil Type: Well-draining, lean or poor soil (too much fertilizer reduces blooms)
🌡 Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in all zones

How to Grow Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’:

1️⃣ Direct Sow or Start Indoors – Sow seeds after the last frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks earlier.
2️⃣ Planting Depth – 1/2 inch deep, spacing 8-12 inches apart.
3️⃣ Sun & Water Needs – Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Water lightly once established.
4️⃣ Encourage Blooms – Avoid rich soil and fertilizers—nasturtiums thrive in lean conditions.
5️⃣ Harvest & Enjoy! – Pick blooms, leaves, and buds for culinary use or dried arrangements.

🌿 Pro Tip: Nasturtiums make excellent trap crops in vegetable gardens, drawing pests away from brassicas, tomatoes, and beans!

Best Uses for Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’:

🌺 Ornamental Beauty – A compact, non-trailing habit makes it perfect for border edging and containers.
🥗 Edible Gardening – The peppery flowers and leaves add a gourmet touch to salads, sandwiches, and teas.
🐝 Pollinator Gardens – Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich blooms.
🌾 Natural Pest Control – Deters aphids, squash bugs, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects.
🌱 Soil Improvement – Fixes nitrogen in soil, helping neighboring plants thrive naturally.

Common Questions:

💡 How long does it take for Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ to bloom?
Flowers appear within 6-8 weeks after germination, continuing until frost.

💡 Do I need to fertilize?
No! Fertilizer encourages leafy growth at the expense of blooms.

💡 Will it reseed for next year?
Yes! In warm climates, nasturtiums self-seed, returning year after year.

💡 Can I grow it indoors?
Yes! Nasturtiums can flourish indoors with bright, direct light.

Order Your Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ Today!

Enjoy bold color, edible beauty, and natural pest control with this classic heirloom favorite! 🌺🌿🍽✨