Save your seeds: Nasturtium

BOTANICAL NAME: Tropaeolum majus – the genus name comes from the Latin word for trophy, an allusion to the likeness of the flowers to the helmets and shields displayed at Roman triumphs.

ORIGIN: Peru’s cool highlands.

DESCRIPTION: An annual which behaves as a perennial in warm climates. The modern breed of nasturtium is bushy with deep red, bright orange or yellow flowers.

CULTIVATION: Nasturtium flourishes in rich soils, although it can tolerate poor soils. Seedlings are difficult to transplant so it’s best to plant the seeds directly.