Firefly Blaze Mix, Mounding Nasturtium Flower

Nasturtiums are a true New World treasure, originally native to the rugged slopes of the Andean Mountains in South America (spanning from Peru to Colombia). They were brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s and quickly became a sensation in royal gardens.

Historically, they were known as "Indian Cress" because their peppery flavor reminded explorers of watercress. In the 17th century, they were valued as a vital "scurvy-preventing" plant on long voyages due to their high Vitamin C content. By the Victorian era, nasturtiums had become a staple of the "Cottage Garden" movement. Our Firefly Blaze Mix carries on this legacy of utility and beauty, representing the refined, dwarf mounding habit that was perfected in the early 20th century to suit the smaller garden beds of the modern era.

• The "Goldilocks" Size: With a 24-to-30-inch height and vine length, these are larger than "ultra-dwarf" types but far more manageable than climbing varieties. They provide excellent ground cover without taking over the garden.
• Completely Edible: Every part of the plant is a gourmet treat! The flowers add a mild, sweet-peppery flavor to salads, while the leaves offer a spicy "kick" similar to arugula.
• The Ultimate Companion Plant: Often called the "Trap Crop," nasturtiums naturally draw aphids away from your prized vegetables like kale and tomatoes.
• Deer & Rabbit Resistant: The spicy, mustard-oil scent of the foliage acts as a natural deterrent to garden grazers.
• Pollinator Magnet: Hummingbirds and long-tongued bees are particularly drawn to the deep nectar spurs found at the back of each "Firefly" bloom.

1. Sowing the Seeds (Direct Sow is Best):
Nasturtiums have large, easy-to-handle seeds (great for kids!) and do not like being transplanted.

• When: Sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. They require darkness to germinate.
• Scarification: For faster sprouting, you can nick the hard seed coat with a nail file or soak them in warm water for 4–8 hours before planting.

2. The "Love 'em and Leave 'em" Rule:
One of the unique secrets to nasturtiums is that they thrive on neglect.

• Soil: Avoid rich, fertilized soil. If the soil is too "good" or contains too much nitrogen, the plant will produce massive amounts of leaves and very few flowers. Poor, sandy, or average soil is perfect.
• Watering: Water regularly until established, but once they are growing, they are quite drought-tolerant.

3. Maintenance:

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 10–12 inches apart. The 30-inch vines will eventually grow together to form a solid, weed-suppressing mound.
• Pests: If you see aphids on your nasturtiums, don't panic! This means the plant is doing its job as a trap crop. Simply spray them off with a sharp blast of water from the hose.

Once the flowers fade, the plant produces green, three-lobed seed pods. Historically, these were harvested while still green and pickled in vinegar to create "Poor Man's Capers"—a spicy, tangy treat that tastes remarkably like the real thing!

Garden Tip: Plant Firefly Blaze Mix in hanging baskets or at the edge of raised beds. The 30-inch vines will "blaze" downwards, creating a stunning waterfall of color that is visible from across the garden. 🏮🔥