Tropaeolum majus - Nasturtium Crimson Emperor Seeds

Tropaeolum majus 'Crimson Emperor' is a vigorous annual nasturtium that carries masses of deep crimson flowers with golden yellow throats on semi-trailing plants. Perfect for brightening up the flower garden or terrace all summer long, happily overflowing from hanging baskets or softening the strict lines of paths and retaining walls. Nasturtiums are famously easy to sow and easy to grow. They will give good results in loose, average garden soil with plenty of sunshine.

Tropaeolum majus, commonly known as Nasturtium, is an annual climbing or trailing plant native to South America. It belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family and comes in a variety of forms, some of which are dwarf and compact, others with a trailing habit. 'Crimson Emperor' is a semi-trailing variety that forms lush carpets in one growing season (30 cm tall for a spread of 80 cm). It flowers from June to September, displaying an abundance of 5-petalled tubular, spurred blooms in a deep shade of crimson red, highlighted with a pretty golden yellow throat. Pollinated flowers give way to small, pea-like seeds that are easy to sow. The foliage consists in round, light green leaves.

Nasturtiums are versatile, easy going plants that will find their place almost anywhere, from borders to rock gardens, pots to hanging baskets. They enjoy cool, loose soil and a sunny position. All parts of the plant are edible: leaves and flowers can be tossed into summer salads; seeds can be pickled in vinegar like capers. Nasturtiums can also be grown as companion plants in vegetable gardens or orchards as they create a diversion for unwanted insects such as aphids (whilst providing valuable food for ladybird larvae), steering them away from your precious crops. If your nasturtiums plants become overwhelmed with aphids, try spraying them with a mixture of water and soap.