Nasturtium 'Jewel Mixed' Seeds

Fabulous semi-double blooms in joyous shades of yellow, peachy orange and red are what make these mixed-colour nasturtiums a must-have for bringing vibrant colour to your summer garden. The showy, saucer-shaped flowers are streaked with darker flushes in their centres and stand bold and upright above rich green, bushy foliage. One of the easiest and most satisfying annuals you can grow, they are guaranteed to add impact wherever you plant them.

‘Jewel Mixed’ nasturtiums are robust and long-flowering, from early June until the first frosts in October. They look fabulous when trained up a trellis or fence, tumbling out of window boxes and containers, or cascading over the sides of hanging baskets. Plant them as groundcover in a mixed border or rock garden, where they will add pleasing contrast to other flowers and foliage. They will also look great when cut for your vase – ideal for natural arrangements.

A worthy addition to a kitchen garden, nasturtiums are loved by bees and butterflies, so are good for pollination. They will attract hover flies, which prey on aphids, so make a great companion for brassicas, pumpkins, radish, tomato and potatoes – even roses – to help control pests. When they die back they will replenish the soil, adding nutrients and minerals to help other plants thrive.

Being native to South and Central America, which were known as the Indies, the flowers were once commonly called ‘Indian cresses’. Indeed, the leaves and flowers are edible, with a pleasant, slightly peppery flavour reminiscent of watercress. Mix them into your salads and garnishes for a pop of extra colour and flavour, or add last minute to a stir-fry. They are rich in vitamin C, too.

An inspiring choice for children’s gardening; the seeds are large, easy to sow and quick to germinate. With such a cheerful profusion of edible, bright flowers as a reward, what better way to encourage the next generation of horticulturalists!

Supplied as a packet of 35 (approx.) seeds ready to sow indoors in pots, from February to May, or outdoors from April to June directly where they are to grow. Nasturtiums will flower most prolifically in a sunny position in free-draining soil. They are drought tolerant but appreciate an occasional watering in warm weather. Regular dead-heading will encourage continuous flowering.