Empress of India

SKU: FL3003
This old heirloom variety has stunning crimson flowers that rise above cascading, deep green leaves for hanging baskets or planters. Empress of India nasturtium seeds produce flowers that make a striking contrast that never fails to attract attention. Read More

Exposure Full-sun to partial shade

Empress of India has a rating of 4.6 stars based on 8 reviews.
Click here for more options
Heirloom
Shipping & Returns

West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $9.99.

Empress of India

Product Details

This old heirloom variety has stunning crimson flowers that rise above cascading, deep green leaves for hanging baskets or planters. Empress of India nasturtium seeds produce flowers that make a striking contrast that never fails to attract attention. This variety matures to heights of 30cm (12"). Nasturtiums are fairly tough plants and quite drought tolerant, so they make a good candidate for xeriscaping. The edible flowers produced by this nasturtium are so intensely bright red that they look amazing in salads. Save some of the fresh seeds produced by your nasturtiums for pickling. They make excellent capers. Try planting some seeds as microgreens for their powerful, peppery kick.

Annual

Quick Facts:

    • Hardy annual
    • Stunning crimson flowers
    • Great for hanging baskets
    • Grows to 30cm (12") tall
    • Edible flowers

We'll notify you when this product is back in stock.


Empress of India

We don't share your information with others.

Your notification has been registered.  Click to close!

All About Empress of India

Latin

Latin
Tropaeolum majus & T. minus
Family: Tropaeolaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Timing

Timing
Sow indoors in peat or coir pots 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Better yet, direct sow from 1 week after last frost and repeat at 2 week intervals into early summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-12 days, perhaps longer outdoors.

Starting

Starting
Sow seeds 5mm – 1cm (¼”-½”) deep. If starting indoors, provide darkness during germination, followed by bright light. Space smaller varieties 15-30cm (6-12″) apart, and the big ones like Tall Single 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.

Growing

Growing
Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry weather, and do not fertilize. If aphids infest nasturtiums, cut off the infested growing tip and destroy it. Otherwise, a quick jet of water from the hose will dislodge and kill aphids.

Companion Planting

Companion Planting
Nasturtiums make a good trap crop for aphids, and they deter whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and attract predatory insects. It is a good companion for Brassicas, cucumbers, melons, radishes, and tomatoes.

More on Companion Planting.

How to Grow Nasturtium

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors in peat or coir pots 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Better yet, direct sow from 1 week after last frost and repeat at 2 week intervals into early summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-12 days, perhaps longer outdoors.

Step 2

Starting

Sow seeds 5mm – 1cm (¼”-½”) deep. If starting indoors, provide darkness during germination, followed by bright light. Space smaller varieties 15-30cm (6-12″) apart, and the big ones like Tall Single 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry weather, and do not fertilize.

Tips

Diseases & Pests

If aphids infest nasturtiums, cut off the infested growing tip and destroy it. Otherwise, a quick jet of water from the hose will dislodge and kill aphids.

Companion Planting

Nasturtiums make a good trap crop for aphids, and they deter whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and attract predatory insects. It is a good companion for Brassicas, cucumbers, melons, radishes, and tomatoes.

Customer Reviews & Questions