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Nasturtium Empress of India
Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India'
flowerNasturtium Empress of India is a dwarf, bushy cultivar prized for its deep crimson-red flowers and dark blue-green foliage that creates a striking contrast. This compact variety grows 12-15 inches tall and is excellent for containers, borders, and edging. The plant produces peppery-flavored edible flowers and leaves that are popular in culinary applications.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as annual in colder regions, returns year-round in warm climates
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Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysCotyledons emerge with the characteristic rounded seed leaves. True leaves develop shortly after with the distinctive shield-like shape and dark blue-green coloration.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact growth with dense dark green foliage. Stems branch readily creating a mounding form 12-15 inches tall and wide.
Water moderately; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Provide full sun for compact growth. Pinch back tips early to encourage bushiness if needed.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (until frost or end of season)Deep crimson-red flowers emerge above the dark foliage, creating dramatic contrast. Single flowers appear at leaf axils and continue to bloom throughout the season.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth at expense of flowers. Water consistently but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Seed Development
3-4 weeks after floweringRound seed pods develop where flowers were located. Pods turn papery and brown when mature.
Allow some flowers to remain on plant if you want to collect seeds for next year. Let pods dry on plant before harvesting.
Decline
Variable; until frost in cold climatesPlant growth slows as temperatures cool or summer heat intensifies. Flowering may reduce in extreme heat or cold.
Deadhead more aggressively to stimulate late-season blooms. In very hot areas, provide afternoon shade. Plant is frost-tender and will die with first hard freeze.
Common Pests
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Spray with water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; plant attracts aphids away from vegetables
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch; maintain good air circulation
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Regular misting to increase humidity; spray with water; insecticidal soap; neem oil
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Handpick larger caterpillars; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); neem oil; encourage natural predators
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; remove debris; copper barriers; beer traps; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves
CulinaryBoth flowers and leaves have a distinctive peppery flavor reminiscent of watercress and are used fresh in salads, as garnishes, or in cooking. The vibrant red flowers add striking color and peppery taste to dishes. [source]
Nasturtium Seed Capers
CulinaryUnripe seed pods can be pickled and used as a caper substitute in various dishes, providing a peppery, slightly tangy condiment. [source]
Immune & Respiratory Support
MedicinalNasturtium flowers and leaves contain glucosinolates and vitamin C, traditionally used in herbal medicine to support immune function and respiratory health. [source]
Pest Management & Companion Planting
HouseholdNasturtiums are excellent trap crops that attract aphids, whiteflies, and other pests away from vegetable gardens, protecting brassicas and other crops while being easily sacrificial. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season, providing nectar and pollen sources and supporting pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers when fully open in the early morning for best flavor and appearance. Pinch flowers with thumb and forefinger or cut with scissors. Harvest leaves anytime for fresh use; younger leaves are more tender. For seeds, allow pods to dry on the plant until papery and brown (typically 3-4 weeks after flowering), then collect and store in a cool, dry place for next year. Flowers and leaves are best when fresh but can be used throughout the growing season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium Empress of India is named after Queen Victoria and was a Victorian favorite for its striking dark red flowers contrasting with dark foliage, symbolizing conquest and power in Victorian flower language.
- 🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from the Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' referring to the peppery, nose-tingling quality of the plant's flavor and its pungent aroma.
- 🌱 Nasturtiums were traditionally used by indigenous peoples in South America as both food and medicine, and the plant naturally produces compounds with antibiotic properties that help repel pests.
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