Tropaeolum Majus (Nasturium)

Temperature:
45-50 F

For attractive foliage and long-stemmed fragrant flowers, try some old-fashioned nasturtiums. They are ideal for edging benches, and excellent to cut for flower arrangements. Flower colors include rich golden yellow, light cream, dark mahogany, scarlet, and cerise. Buy a carefully blended mixture of seeds for a brilliant display.

Soil should be light: garden loam and sand. If soil is too rich in organic matter, foliage will be luxuriant with few flowers. Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizer. Nasturtiums like to be grown in full sun and are quick to bloom. Soak the seeds overnight before planting, to speed germination. Foliage is often used as a salad green.

Recommended:

'Golden Gleam', rich golden yellow; 'Mahogany Gleam', deep mahogany red; 'Moon Gleam', light golden cream.