Nasturtium ‘Purple Emperor’
Tropaeolum majus
Description
Flowers start out smoky raspberry with cranberry veining and fade to the muted, muddy color of ‘La Belle Epoque’ tulips with a metallic shimmer—a flower arranger’s dream. The blooms are an incredible addition to bouquets, and the foliage lasts an extremely long time in the vase, adding interest and movement to large-scale arrangements.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 5 to 6 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 24 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 5 to 6 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 24 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in pots 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Nasturtiums are very sensitive to cold; wait until the weather has warmed to transplant out. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest flowers just as they are opening. If using entire vines, harvest when the foliage becomes leathery or firm to the touch. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Details
Description
Flowers start out smoky raspberry with cranberry veining and fade to the muted, muddy color of ‘La Belle Epoque’ tulips with a metallic shimmer—a flower arranger’s dream. The blooms are an incredible addition to bouquets, and the foliage lasts an extremely long time in the vase, adding interest and movement to large-scale arrangements.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 5 to 6 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 24 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 5 to 6 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 to 70 days
Plant spacing: 24 to 36 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in pots 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Nasturtiums are very sensitive to cold; wait until the weather has warmed to transplant out. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest flowers just as they are opening. If using entire vines, harvest when the foliage becomes leathery or firm to the touch. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
