Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus
25 Seeds
Sow April - May.
Hardy annual.
Height and spread 30cm (12in).
Prefers a poor, well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade.
Sow thinly in a weed free flowering site or direct into tubs and hanging baskets about 2cm (¾") deep. As the seedlings grow, thin out to 25cm (10") apart.
Yellow, red or orange funnel-shaped flowers appear from summer to early autumn. Round mid-green leaves on a fleshy stem with distinct veins. Large single flowers on plants that trail down, climb up or spread from side to side.
Nasturtium
Also known as Indian and Large Cress.
From the family Tropaeolaceae.
A native of South America, it was introduced into Europe during the 16th century and was first known as Indian Cress because of its peppery watercress-like flavour of the leaves. The name Nasturtium is derived from the words 'nasus tortus' (a convulsed nose) on account of its pungency. The generic name 'Tropaeolum' is derived from the latin 'tropaeum' meaning trophy or sign of victory. After a battle was finished, a tree trunk was set up on the battlefield and hung with the captured helmets and sheilds, which looked like the round leaves and the flowers like the blood-stained helmets. The custom of eating its petals and using them for tea and salads comes from the orient.