Everwilde Farms - 25 Empress of India Nasturtium Wildflower Seeds - Gold Vault Seed Packet

A splendor to behold, these rich crimson flowers contrast with their blue-green foliage. This annual is compact and easy to grow, making it a great container plant. The common name "nasturtium" comes from the Latin words for "nose-twister," a humorous way of describing a common reaction the taste of the edible leaves. The entire plant has a history of being used for culinary purposes, since even the seeds can be pickled and make an acceptable substitute for capers. Though the first known botanical description of this species comes from the notes of Spanish botanist Nicolas Monardes, Carl Linnaeus gave the genus its name. He called it "Tropaeolum" in reference to an ancient Roman "tropaeum," a pole on which the bloody armor and shields of the defeated enemy were hung; the plant's bright blossoms reminded him of helmets, while the circular leaves looked similar to shields.