Tom Thumb Mixed Nasturtium Seeds | Dwarf Edible Flowers

Tom Thumb Mixed nasturtium seeds grow into dwarf, compact annual plants with cheerful single flowers in gold, orange, red, and yellow. The blooms and young leaves have the familiar tangy, peppery flavor of nasturtiums. Plant a pot beside your kitchen or brighten a vegetable-garden edge, then gather a few fresh flowers for a colorful garnish when plants have been grown for edible use.

Choose your seed pack

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

One cart quantity purchases one selected pack. Weight packs are sold by weight rather than an exact seed count. The existing estimate is approximately 220 seeds per ounce, with variation between lots. All options contain Tom Thumb Mixed, not individually selected flower colors. Color proportions and the shades in any planting may vary. This listing is for seeds to plant, not live plants.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Tropaeolum majus 'Tom Thumb Mixed'.
• Common name: nasturtium, also known as Indian cress.
• Life cycle: frost-tender annual.
• Habit: dwarf, compact, and bushy.
• Flowers: single blooms in mixed gold, orange, red, and yellow shades.
• Light: full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade may help in hot climates.
• Uses: containers, borders, vegetable-garden edges, and edible-flower gardens.

Tom Thumb is a compact nasturtium, not a tall climbing Canary Creeper. Plan for seasonal annual growth rather than a reliably returning perennial. Self-sowing may occur, but that is different from the original plant surviving winter.

When and how to sow

Direct sow after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. Direct sowing avoids root disturbance. For an earlier start, sow indoors 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 seedlings to outdoor sun and wind before transplanting after frost danger has passed. Handle root balls gently and allow approximately 10–12 inches between plants, adjusting for their developing spread and airflow.

Soil, watering, and feeding

Choose freely draining soil with modest fertility. Very rich soil and heavy nitrogen feeding can encourage leaves at the expense of flowers. Avoid a blanket no-fertilizer rule: container plants may need light feeding if nutrients become depleted. Follow fertilizer label directions and the needs of the planting.

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 flowering. Avoid constantly saturated roots.

Remove faded flowers and yellowing leaves to keep the display tidy. Flowering depends on sowing date and climate; heat, drought, or frost can interrupt or end the display.

Container care

Use a pot or window box with drainage holes and fresh, well-drained potting mix. Allow room for the compact plants to branch rather than crowding seedlings together. Position in suitable sun and check moisture regularly, especially in warm or windy weather.

Water thoroughly when needed and let excess drain. Do not leave containers standing in water. Tom Thumb can soften a pot edge, but do not expect the long trailing stems of a climbing variety.

Harvesting edible flowers and leaves

Harvest fresh flowers and tender young leaves for peppery salads and garnishes. Choose 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 supplied seeds are intended for planting, not eating. Do not infer seed treatment status from the edible nature of the mature plant. This guidance focuses on flowers and young leaves rather than claiming that every plant part, including roots, is appropriate for every use.

Flowers have a relatively short vase life. For a small fresh arrangement, cut with clean snips and place stems promptly into clean water.

Pollinators, pests, and seasonal cleanup

Flowers can attract bees and other garden visitors. Nasturtiums can add diversity beside vegetables, but peppery foliage is not a guaranteed pest repellent. Check regularly for aphids and other pests rather than relying on companion planting alone.

Remove unwanted seedlings if plants self-sow. Clear finished plants when frost or seasonal decline ends the display.

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.