Vanilla Berry Hummingbird Nasturtium (Mounding)

Renee's Garden - Carefree nasturtiums with buttercream-colored blossoms, each marked at the throat with a delicate etching in deep strawberry. These top settings spurred flowers to shine above blue-green lilypad-shaped leaves, and hummingbirds love their nectar. Vanilla Berry plants cover empty garden spaces and drape gracefully to fill in windowboxes and planters. The flowers are edible, with a watercress-like flavor, perfect as a spicy garnish to top salads or fancy open-faced sandwiches. 

 Characteristics: 

Instructions - To start outdoors, sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). Nasturtiums need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press the soil firmly over the seeds and keep them moist. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 10 inches apart as mounding plants need ample room.

To start early indoors, sow 2 seeds each in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before the last expected frost date. Cover 1 inch deep. Provide a strong light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves pinch out the weaker seedling, leaving 1 per pot. When night temps are above 50°F gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant seedlings into the garden 10 inches apart in full sun.

These softly colored, intricately marked nasturtiums are reliable and easy to tuck into any well-drained spot. Except in very poor soil, nasturtiums will grow and bloom readily with no added fertilizer. The mounding plants do a fine job of covering bare spots or hiding spent bulb foliage. Use the pretty edible flowers and leaves to add zest to salads and party sandwiches. 

• Plant in March-June
  
• Full sun or partial shade 
• Plant 1" deep 
  
• Space seeds 2-3" apart 
• 9-12 days to germinate 
  
• Mature height: 1 foot 

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