Nasturtium
(Tropaeolum majus) Nasturtium is an annual flowering herb and is a popular flower to plant in the vegetable garden. With its spicy foliage and flowers, which give a nice kick to salad and recipes, it may be the best-known edible flower! Native to Peru, nasturtium was used by the ancient Inca as a leafy green and medicinal herb. Plants prefer full sun but will tolerate some light shade. Provide well-drained soil and do not fertilize or plant in overly rich soil. Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days. Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date or direct seed, ½ inch deep, after the last chance of frost has passed. Ideal germination temperature is 55-65 F. The green, immature seed pods can be pickled to make mock capers, and they are delicious!
