Horti Tops® Tropaeolum Dwarf Double Jewel Mixed

Tropaeolum Dwarf Double Jewel Mixed (Tropaeolum majus)

The Most Useful Ornamental

Nasturtium blurs the line between ornamental and edible. The vibrant orange, red, and yellow flowers brighten any garden, while every part of the plant is not just edible but delicious. The flavor is peppery and slightly mustardy – like watercress with a kick.

Eating Nasturtiums

Flowers: Add whole flowers to salads for stunning visual impact and peppery flavor. They can also be stuffed with herbed cream cheese for elegant appetizers.

Leaves: Use young leaves in salads or sandwiches. They have a watercress-like bite. Larger leaves can be used as wraps.

Poor man’s capers: Pickle the immature green seed pods in vinegar and salt. They develop a flavor remarkably similar to capers – at a fraction of the cost.

Nasturtium pesto: Blend leaves with nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil for a peppery alternative to basil pesto.

Health Benefits

Nasturtiums contain high levels of vitamin C – ten times more than lettuce. The peppery compounds have natural antibiotic properties. Traditional uses include treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections. The leaves can be applied to minor wounds as a natural antiseptic.

Growing Success

Nasturtiums thrive on neglect. Rich soil produces lots of leaves but few flowers – poor soil is actually better. They tolerate drought and heat. Aphids love nasturtiums, which makes them useful as trap crops to protect other plants. Just accept that aphids are part of the deal, or plant them away from your vegetables.

Growing Tropaeolum Dwarf Double Jewel Mixed