Edible Flowers : Nasturtium Ladybird

Hardy Annual

• Flowers in : Summer to Autumn
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Containers
• Special Features : Edible Flowers
• Height : 8 inches

Description

Dwarf, bushy plants become clothed in beautiful golden-yellow flowers each enhanced by five, eye-catching, bright red spots. Easy and quick to grow, making it ideal for adding colour to the front of sunny borders in patio containers.

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

Sowing Instructions

Sow March to May 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 earuer 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 (9in) apart.

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.