Edible Flowers : Nasturtium majus Black Velvet

Hardy Annual

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Bedding, Borders, Children, Containers, Cottage Gardens
• Special Features : Edible Flowers
• Height : 12 inches

Description

A unique colour in Nasturtiums! Deepest velvety, red-black blooms in abundance above fresh green foliage on neat, dwarf plants. Sure to create an eyecatching display in borders or containers when accompanied by Milkmaid. Will grow in any well-drained soil in full sun.

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Sowing Instructions

Sow outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 20mm (¾in) deep, in rows 30cm (12in) apart.
For earlier flowering: Sow seed, 1cm (½in) deep, 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot, in free-draining, damp seed compost. Place at 20-29C (68-86F) until after germination. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9 inches) apart. For early sown plants, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.

Aftercare

They flower most freely in full sun and poor dryish soils. Before planting in containers make sure they are well rooted in their pots.

Kitchen Notes

The leaves taste like watercress, the flowers add a spicy touch to salads and the green seeds can be chopped and used with parsley as a garnish or made into a substitute for capers.