Empress Of India History

(Tropaeolum minus) An essential garden flower. Plants have brilliant crimson red flowers and dark green foliage.

Growing Empress Of India Plant

Sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun. Flowers need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press soil firmly over the seeds and keep moist. You can start the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. See your local frost dates. Plant nasturtium seeds in early spring in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. They can grow in partial shade, but they will not bloom as well. Fertile soil will produce fewer blooms and more foliage. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Plants should appear in 7 to 10 days.

Preserving And Storing The Empress Of India

Air drying is are known simply as hanging the bouquet upside down. This method is best for entire bouquets or robust flowers. Another way to dry blossoms is to use a microwave with the help of silica gel. The gel helps to preserve the shape of the flowers and is reusable.

Empress Of India Plant Care

Water regularly throughout the growing season, but be careful not to over-water your plants. Cutting off the faded/dead flowers will prolong blooming. If you’re growing nasturtiums in containers, they may need to be trimmed back occasionally over the growing season.

Flower uses

They 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.

Other Flower Varieties Worth Checking Out

 Cleome is an old-time border flower that is native to South America. Classically grown on fence lines and looks great as backdrop in flower beds along the house. Typically 3-6’ tall, Cleome displays pink, purple, and white pointy petals that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Very insect and disease resistant. Blooms from June to 1st frost in our Northwest Illinois trials. Annual.

 The Moonflower is An old-time heirloom in the morning glory family. Moonflower begins opening in the evening, emitting a soft perfume scent. Beautiful large white flowers with heart-shaped leaves. Moonflower is a perfect plant for a trellis and will climb 12-15’. Pair with a morning glory for day and night beauty.