Empress of India Nasturtium Seeds

Edible Flower • Cool Season Annual
California Warm Climate Tested

Grow deep red nasturtiums with edible leaves and flowers that bring color and peppery flavor to the garden.

Empress of India flower bud

Easy Grow Info

Avoid overly rich soil, which can encourage more leaves and fewer flowers.
Sun
Full sun to light shade
Type
Cool season annual
Start Method
Direct sow
Height
10–12 in

About Empress of India Nasturtium

Empress of India nasturtium produces striking deep crimson flowers set against dark green foliage, creating bold contrast in garden beds and containers. The round leaves and vibrant blooms are edible, carrying a mild peppery flavor similar to arugula. Young green seed pods can also be harvested and pickled, often used in place of capers.

Compact plants stay low and bushy, making them ideal for edging vegetable beds or filling gaps between crops.

Why We Grow It

We grow Empress of India nasturtium because edible flowers belong alongside vegetables and herbs in the garden. Easy to grow and visually striking, it adds both flavor and pollinator activity while fitting naturally into California’s cooler growing seasons.

Grower’s Corner

Grower’s Corner: Growing Edible Flowers in Home Gardens

Read the full guide on Grower’s Corner.

Grower’s Corner • 5–7 min read
Read the guide

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