Edible Flowers: Nasturtium aka Indian Cress or Monks Cress

Tropaeolum majus

Flashing Flowers

Annual

Herb

Full Sun

Bloom from summer through fall

Creeper

Description:

Native to the Andes from Bolivia to Columbia. Trailing growth up to 3 ft long or more. Large, nearly circular leaves. Large, nearly circular, five-petaled  flowers that bloom in Summer or Fall. Flowers can be varying shades of orange, yellow or red. At dusk the orange flowers can appear to emit small "flashes". The Flashes are thought to be an optical illusion caused by the contrast between the flowers and the leaves.

Planting:

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Start outdoors in early Spring in moist, well-drained soil. Plant in poorer soil 1" deep and about 10"-12" apart. Water regularly but do not over-water. Cut faded flowers.

Common Pests:

Dot Moth, Garden Carpet Moth, Cabbage White Butterfly, Flea Beetles, Aphids, Slugs, Whiteflies, Viruses

Companion Planting:

Nasturtiums repel many pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles and several types of caterpillars and repel similar pests for brassica plants. They can be used as a trap crop for black fly aphids and they attract beneficial predatory insects.

Harvesting:

Let seeds dry off on the vine until they fall. Dry and store in a paper envelope in a cool dark place.

Uses:

Edible Leaves and Flowers. Peppery taste. Seeds are also edible and can be used as a substitute for capers in pickles.

Medicinal:

Nasturtium on salad promotes appetite.

Edible Flowers:

Nasturtium

Calendula

Viola

Borage

Herb Flowers