Empress of India Nasturtium Seeds | Scarlet Flowers

Empress of India nasturtium seeds grow into compact annual plants with vivid scarlet flowers and dark green foliage. This traditional heirloom variety brings bold color to borders, patio pots, and kitchen gardens. Grow a container near your kitchen and gather a few fresh leaves or flowers for their peppery flavor when plants have been grown for edible use.

Choose your seed pack

• 10 seeds.
• 25 seeds — packet.
• 1 oz.
• 4 oz.
• 1 lb.

One cart quantity purchases one selected pack. Weight packs are sold by weight, not an exact seed count. The existing estimate is approximately 220 seeds per ounce, with variation between lots. All options are for Empress of India, not a color mix. This listing is for seeds to plant, not live plants.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India'.
• Life cycle: frost-tender annual.
• Flowers: rich scarlet-red.
• Foliage: rounded, dark green leaves.
• Habit: compact and bushy, approximately 12 inches tall.
• Light: full sun to partial shade.
• Uses: borders, containers, mixed plantings, and edible-flower gardens.

This is a compact nasturtium, not a tall climbing Canary Creeper or a bean variety. It can soften a container edge, but do not expect the long vines of a climbing nasturtium.

When and how to sow

Direct sow after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Nasturtiums prefer minimal root disturbance. If starting indoors, sow approximately 3–4 weeks before your expected last frost in individual pots rather than keeping seedlings indoors for an extended period.

Sow the large seeds approximately 1/2–1 inch deep in well-drained soil or seed-starting mix. Keep evenly moist, not soggy. Germination commonly takes approximately 7–21 days, depending on temperature and moisture.

Provide bright light after emergence. Gradually acclimate indoor-grown plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting after frost danger has passed. Handle root balls gently and thin or space plants approximately 10–12 inches apart, allowing room for their bushy growth.

Soil, light, and watering

Choose freely draining soil with modest fertility. Avoid very rich soil and heavy nitrogen feeding, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Full sun supports flowering; partial afternoon shade may help in hot locations.

Water regularly during establishment. Once plants are growing, adjust watering to rainfall, soil moisture, and heat. Some drying is tolerated, but prolonged drought can reduce growth and bloom. Avoid constantly saturated roots.

Flowers can continue while conditions remain favorable, but intense heat, drought, and frost can interrupt or end the display. Continuous bloom until frost is not guaranteed in every climate.

Container and basket care

Use a pot, window box, or basket with drainage holes and fresh, well-drained potting mix. Allow space for mature plants rather than crowding seedlings together. Check moisture frequently because containers dry faster than garden beds, especially in wind and warm weather.

Water thoroughly when needed and let excess drain. Feed sparingly if required, following fertilizer label directions. Remove faded flowers and yellowing leaves to keep the plant tidy.

Garden companions and pests

Nasturtiums can be included alongside vegetables and herbs for color and garden diversity, but they are not a guaranteed repellent for whiteflies or cabbage caterpillars. Check plants regularly for aphids and other pests rather than relying on companion planting alone.

Some self-sowing may occur if seeds mature. Remove unwanted seedlings and keep the planting within the intended area.

Harvesting leaves and flowers

Young leaves and fresh flowers have a peppery flavor and can be used in salads or as garnishes. Harvest clean, undamaged material from correctly identified plants grown for food use. Use only plants that have not been treated with products unsuitable for edible crops, wash before use, and try a small amount first if nasturtiums are new to you.

The seeds supplied in this listing are for planting, not eating. Do not assume seed treatment status from the edible nature of the mature plant. Avoid the previous blanket claim that every part of the plant is suitable for every use.

Cut flowers are best enjoyed promptly; their vase life is relatively short. Harvest with clean snips and place stems in clean water.

Seed storage

Store unused seeds sealed in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat and moisture. Keep seed packets away from children and pets.