Climbing Nasturtium – Tall Seed Mix – (Tropaeolum majus)

Description

Climbing Nasturtium – Tall Seed Mix

Breathe in the sweet-yet-spicy scent of these profuse flowers that bloom in a stunning mix of warm hues. Shades of red, maroon, orange, and cream intermingle in a dazzling display of natural beauty. 

You won’t have to worry about constantly tending to these flowers, as they require minimal water and absolutely no fertilizer. The Climbing Nasturtium is a fast-growing vine that trails beautifully, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. Stand back and watch it thrive, as it fills trellises, fences, and summer arbors with its luscious foliage.

The vibrant flowers and bright green leaves are not only appealing but also have a unique spicy-sweet flavor that’s perfect for adding a zing to your salads or garnishing dishes. Additionally, this plant is a fantastic companion for your vegetable garden as it helps to repel pests and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

 Succeeds in all but the coldest areas.

History

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) derives its name from the Latin words nasus and toquere, which translates as “nose twister” – no doubt in reference to is light, peppery smell. Some sources credit the Peruvians for introducing early Spanish explorers to the nasturtium and to its delightful taste. Others maintain that the edible qualities of the blossoms were well known to the ancient Persians four centuries before Christ’s birth. The plants were first brought from Peru to Spain. From there, nasturtiums went on to seduce England and all of Europe. 

Uses

Considered to be the ultimate edible flower as the leaves, flowers, stems and seeds are all edible with a peppery, softly spicy flavor similar to watercress. Add the flower petals to salads for a bright, spicy note. Makes an unusual and tasty garnish for steaks, especially with a bit of herbed butter or blue cheese. Other uses include decorating cheeses, making nasturtium pesto, adding flavor and color to soups, and stuffed nasturtium flowers. See our recipe for Pickled Nasturtium Pods.

Growing Tip

Nasturtiums also attract aphids, making them an excellent trap crop. If aphids attacked your young fruits trees last year, plant some of the trailing nasturtiums at the base of the tree this year. Portable containers of nasturtiums allow you to move them to affected areas of your garden. Once the plants “trap” the aphids, move the containers to a safe place, hose off the aphids, and place them back in the garden where they are most needed.

Learn More

• Pickled Nasturtium Pods
• Edible Flowers From Garden to Gourmet – Heirloom Varieties for Every Kitchen

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