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
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
