Code: BL-09
Empress of India (Nasturtium)
Plant information
Featuring edible leaves, this plant brings a peppery punch and decorative flair to salads, sandwiches, and as edible garnishes, offering a unique taste and visual appeal.
Time to germinate:
12-14 days
Time to harvest:
20-40 days
Tips on Plant Care
Weekly Plant Health Checks
Inspect for Pests and Diseases:
Look for signs of pests like aphids or diseases such as powdery mildew. Check the leaves for discoloration, spots, or wilting.
Remove Damaged Leaves or Flowers:
Trim off yellowing, brown, or damaged foliage and spent blooms to maintain plant health and encourage continuous blooming.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadhead Flowers:
Regularly remove faded or spent flowers by pinching or snipping them off. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms and prevents seed formation if continuous flowering is desired.
Prune for Shape:
If the plant becomes leggy, prune back overgrown stems to promote bushier, more compact growth.
Harvesting
Edible Leaves and Flowers:
Harvest leaves and flowers as needed for culinary use. Both have a peppery flavor that works well in salads or garnishes.
Harvest Seeds:
If desired, allow flowers to mature into seed pods. The seeds can be harvested for replanting or used as a caper substitute after pickling.
