Tropaeolum majus 'Empress Of India'

Nasturtiums are easy to grow, vigorous annuals with large disc-shaped leaves that smell like capers and bright flowers from mid-summer onwards. They're a magnet for bees and can be used to lure small and large white butterflies away from brassica crops. Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India' is a non-trailing nasturtium, bearing deep red, semi-double flowers in contrast with purple-green leaves.

The flowers and leaves can be eaten in salads and the immature seeds pickled and used like capers.

Grow Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India' in well-drained soil in full sun. Sow seed direct from mid-spring.