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Nasturtium 'Indian Cress'
Seed Packet

Nasturtium 'Indian Cress'

Tropaeolum majus
From the Greek "traopaeum," a pillar erected on the battlefield to display the armor of vanquished foes, for Linnaeus thought the leaves resembled a shield, and the flowers spear-pierced, blood-stained helmets (Proctor). It was grown for its edible qualities; the seeds pickled for a caper substitute or ground for mustard, and the leaves and flowers lent a lively, peppery taste to salads. The fragrant flowers in vivid shades of yellow and red and mottled and softer hues show off to best advantage tied to a fence or allowed to trail up to six feet long.
SKU #S370
$3.25
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
32
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
1' h x 3' trailing
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Mix of yellow, red, cream and orange, many mottled
Features
Great for containers
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Attracts Beneficial Insects
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/2"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
10-12 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow in pots 2-4 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
About 1-2 weeks after all danger of frost, taking care not to disturb the roots.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Nasturtiums are a joy to grow, requiring minimal care and soil inputs. They prefer nitrogen-poor soil, which encourages flower production over lush foliage growth. Adding a layer of mulch and providing some afternoon shade can help keep the soil cool and your nasturtiums happy in hot summer areas. Nasturtium seeds are quite large and easy to plant, which makes them an excellent choice for young budding gardeners. Consider adding them to your vegetable garden for their peppery flavors and pollinator-attracting qualities. Smaller varieties can be grown in pots while trailing types can be trained to climb fences and trellises with some assistance by tying them in. Pick a handful of blooms and place in old sea-green glass canning jars for the perfect bouquet.
Final Spacing:
3' for ground cover; 1' for containers.
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week—drought tolerant once established, however regular watering may encourage more blossoms.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Do not fertilize, as this will limit blooms and stimulate excess foliage growth. Add 1" compost to poor soils.
Diseases & Pests:
Aphids may pose a problem—treat with an insecticidal soap if hosing down daily does not resolve the issue. Ladybugs may appear to help control aphids.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when flowers are fully open.