Black Velvet Nasturtium Seeds For Planting (Tropaeolum minus) 350 Seeds Per Pack

Not quite black, but definitely a mysterious deep burgundy, Black Velvet nasturtium is all drama without the fuss. If you’re a fan of nasturtium but want something a little different in size, growing habit, and color, you’ll want to order a pack of Black Velvet nasturtium seeds. This heirloom variety is far more compact than its sprawling cousins, making it an ideal container plant or specimen for borders and beds on the smaller side. 

Size-wise, the flowers and leaves are very much like those on standard nasturtium plants. Five delicate, deep red, slightly frilled petals encircle the flower’s golden, trumpeted throat, comprising a bloom that’s two to three inches in diameter. The round bright matte green leaves are held aloft on succulent, upright stems. “Velvet” is a good description for the entire plant; nasturtium’s buff texture and layered structure are always a soothing, welcome sight in the garden. They look great when grown with nemophila and snapdragons, and they’re excellent companions for brassicas. 

Nasturtiums of all kinds attract butterflies and hummingbirds, so plant them where you can observe their visitors. 

Black Velvet thrives in full sun, growing best as an annual in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10. At about 8 to 14 inches tall with a tidy 12-inch spread, it won’t run rampant in your garden yet will produce an abundance of blooms and lush foliage. Like other nasturtiums, every part of this plant is edible; add the leaves, stems, and flowers to salads, and pickle the unripe seeds as you would capers. Or pickle yourself, adding a nasturtium bloom to your favorite adult beverage.

We recommend sangria.

Quick Facts

• Type: Flower
• Color: Deep Red 
• Height: 8″ to 14″ Tall
• Width: 12″ Spread
• Season: Annual
• Zones: 3 to 10
• Environment: Full Sun

Sowing The Seed

Nasturtium seeds have a tough outer shell, which can be scarified to improve germination. Nick the seeds with a knife, or sandpaper and soak them in warm water overnight. Once this has been done, you can sow the seeds either indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow the seeds in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last forst. Peat pots will help prevent root shock when transplanted. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.

Growing Conditions

Nasturtium will thrive in areas of full sunlight, with temperatures of at least 65F or higher. They require poor soils, which will promote more blooms. The sowing medium should be well drained as well. To increase your drainage, we recommend that you add a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily until germination has successfully occurred.

Germination & Growth

Nasturtium seeds typically take anywhere between 7 and 10 days to germinate. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 8 to 14 inches tall and can spread 12 inches wide. The plants can be spaced about 8 inches apart from one another. The 2 to 3 inch, deep burgundy colored blooms will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies & hummingbirds as well. The leaves, seeds, stems & flowers are all edible from Nasturtium plants.