Eastern North American seed companies were offering this showy, award-winning variety by the 1880's. Empress of India Nasturtium has a dwarf, bushy habit, dark purplish-blue foliage, and brilliant crimson-scarlet flowers. The 1884 Burpee's catalogue described it as "the most important annual in recent introduction." Soak seeds in warm water overnight, then sow directly in the garden around the last frost. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in cell-packs, then harden off and transplant outdoors after last frost. Approximately 12 seeds per packet.
| 