Tropaeolum major Whirlybird Apricot seeds - Nasturtium

Dwarf Nasturtium 'Whirlybird Apricot' is a selection of Tropaeolum majus with apricot flowers and a compact habit, forming a superb ground cover when planted in open ground. Also perfectly suited to cultivation in pots or hanging baskets, its pretty flowers bloom throughout the summer and into early autumn. Rising above the slightly greyish green foliage, they are highly ornamental and beautifully showcased against this darker vegetation. Sow early in the year under warm protection or directly in open ground after the last spring frosts.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum is their scientific name) belong to the Tropaeolaceae family, of which they are the main genus, comprising around 87 species. They originate from Mexico or South America, and are often climbing, perennial, tuberous plants, although some species are annual. Tropaeolum majus, the Common Nasturtium, is a vigorous creeping or climbing plant, very popular in our gardens. Unknown in the wild, it is thought to be a hybrid between T. minus and T. ferreyrae that appeared long ago in Peru around the capital Lima, and was introduced to Europe before 1656. The plant has since naturalised in moist, frost-protected coastal areas.
The species has given rise to many horticultural varieties, including some dwarf ones like 'Whirlybird Apricot', one of the cultivars found in the 'Whirlybird Mix' blend. Sown in spring, the plant forms a compact clump, about thirty centimetres high with a 40-45 cm spread. Its leaves have the round (peltate) shape characteristic of the genus and are a slightly greyish green. The flowers appear approximately 60 to 70 days after sowing and bloom from June to September. The semi-double flowers measure about 5 cm in diameter, and they are a beautiful orange leaning towards apricot, rising above the mass of foliage. After being pollinated by bumblebees, the flowers produce fruits containing seeds slightly smaller than peas, which are easy to sow.

Sow Dwarf Nasturtium 'Whirlybird Apricot' in your borders or rockeries, or create flowering pots or beautiful hanging baskets. In open ground, you can create superb scenes throughout the growing season by combining it with other annuals that share the same needs, such as Cosmos. With their frilly foliage and flowers in a multitude of colours, you can create beautiful combinations by placing them in the background. There are also beautiful varieties of Zinnias you can combine, and to create layers of vegetation, interplant between them and your Nasturtium with Calendula 'Powerdaisy Sunny', a pretty Marigold with yellow flowers.

Nasturtium also has a role to play in the vegetable garden and orchard, as it is a very attractive plant for aphids, who will thus be less tempted to attack your crops. Finally, if you grow it organically, you can use it in the kitchen as it is edible, and its leaves and flowers will add a touch of colour to your salads.