Vesuvius Nasturtium Seeds For Planting (Tropaeolum majus) 110 Seeds Per Pack

We’re not exactly sure how this variety got its name, and we’re afraid to ask. What do these brilliant, coral-colored blooms have to do with one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes? The only thing we can think of is that Vesuvius nasturtium explodes in color, perhaps mimicking the hue of an apocalyptic sunset. 

(OK, now we’re getting pretty dark, which doesn’t do this cheerful plant justice. We’re seed sellers, not Steven King wannabes. Let’s lighten things up a notch.)

Like most nasturtiums, Vesuvius is a vigorous sprawler, with vines reaching six feet in length. You can train them to climb up trellises, cascade over walls, or simply sneak into every corner of your garden—all without being invasive or difficult to manage. An annual that flourishes in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10, it dies back with the first hard frost. As long as it has full sun, Vesuvius is an easy keeper that rewards you with more than showy flowers and foliage; every part of the plant is edible and suitable as a garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. 

Vesuvius blooms are two to three inches in diameter, with colors that range from orangish-pink to deep salmon. The circular leaves are visually interesting on their own, with light veins radiating out from their centers against a bright matte green background. Even though they’re best grown in bright, full sun, there’s something about nasturtium that makes you think of cool sheltering shade… something that would have come in handy back in 79 A.D., amirite?

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 12 inches apart from one another. The 2 to 3 inch, salmon colored blooms will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies & hummingbirds as well.