Empress of India Dwarf, Nasturtium Seeds

Empress of India Dwarf Nasturtium Seed

Scarlet flowers blaze against unusually dark foliage
Dwarf heirloom growth creates concentrated color
Edible blooms bring peppery flavor to dishes
A dramatic choice for borders and containers

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Tropaeolum minus

Days to maturity

55 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About Empress of India Dwarf, Nasturtium Seed, Nasturtium Seed

The Empress of India Dwarf Nasturtium produces a dark green foliage with stunning scarlet blooms that are very pleasing to the eye! Its scarlet flowers stand out amid the foliage of this old-fashioned favorite making it the perfect addition to any garden. You can use the leaves and pods in salads or as garnishes. The compact, mounded plant habit makes it especially suitable for containers or as an edging plant.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

B - Warm-Water Soak

In-row plant spacing

10-12"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

18 inches

Growth Habits

Compact, Mounding

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

225

Color

Red

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

A successful Nasturtium planting begins with a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. Plan to soak seed in warm water before sowing to soften the seed coat and improve germination.

Planting

Direct sow nasturtium after the last spring frost when the soil has begun to warm. Keep the seedbed evenly moist but not saturated until emergence. Indoor starting is optional 2–4 weeks early in biodegradable pots because the roots dislike disturbance. Harden seedlings carefully, transplant the entire pot, and thin direct-sown plants after true leaves appear.

Watering

Nasturtium needs consistent moisture during establishment but tolerates moderate dryness afterward. Water deeply during prolonged drought, allowing the upper soil to dry between applications.

Fertilizer

Nasturtium needs only moderate feeding. Use diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth, following label rates and limiting nitrogen so plants remain compact and flower freely.

Harvesting

Harvest nasturtium as buds begin opening or when blooms reach full color, depending on intended use. Cut above a branching point, place stems in water promptly, and remove spent flowers regularly.

Tips

Remove faded nasturtium blooms before seed forms to encourage continued flowering. Shear lightly if plants become leggy, and protect containers from drying faster than garden beds.

Pests & Diseases

Nasturtiums may develop bacterial wilt, leaf spots, Botrytis, clubroot, or mosaic viruses. Remove plants that wilt while soil remains moist or show persistent mosaic and distortion. Improve airflow around trailing growth, avoid splashing soil onto leaves, and do not compost severely diseased vines or seed pods.

Monitor nasturtium for aphids, thrips, mites, beetles, slugs, and chewing caterpillars. Remove badly infested growth, use physical controls first, and apply labeled treatments outside pollinator-active hours.