Tropaeolum majus

‘Tom Thumb Black Velvet’

DWARF BLACK NASTURTIUM

Tropaeolum majus ‘Tom Thumb Black Velvet’
DWARF BLACK NASTURTIUM

Tropaeolum majus ‘Tom Thumb Black Velvet’  has striking flowers that are almost black.

Almost black – deepest black-red velvet

So blooms of the deepest black-red velvet, are beautifully highlighted by the familiar yellow throats of Nasturtiums.

Dwarf & compact mound

But little ‘Tom Thumb Black Velvet’ is a dwarf and compact Nasturtium.
So it is perfect for small gardens or pots, as it does not sprawl about or run.

‘Black Velvet’ is a prolific bloomer, so gardener / cooks can enjoy those velvety blooms all through spring summer and autumn.
So enjoy them to the full for months – in the garden, in the vase, as well as the kitchen.

Deliciously edible

The flowers, leaves, plus the young seed pods, are all deliciously edible.
So you can add a spicy, peppery flavour to salads and cooking with the leaves, as well as vivid colour contrast with the flowers.
Plus the flowers make such a colourful, as well as edible, garnish for any dish.
Try ‘Black Velvet’ petals with strawberries – yum for the taste buds and the eyes.

Easy & cheap Capers

Seed pods 0f Nasturtiums are sometimes knick-named “False Capers”, and you can certainly use them as you would Capers.

Quick from seed to flower 

Tropaeolum majus ‘Tom Thumb Black Velvet’ is an easy plant to grow in the garden, and quick and easy to germinate from seed.

Easy & low maintenance in the garden

This delightful little Nasturtium grows in Full Sun to Part Shade.
And it makes such an attractive and useful addition the to veggie patch as well as the flower garden or decorative pots. Plus it is brilliant in a hanging basket outside the kitchen door.
It is low maintenance in the garden.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Suitable for beginners, kids & veggie plots

Seed can be sown at any time – directly into the garden as you would sow peas / or in punnets indoors for quick and early results.

First soak the seeds overnight in a glass of warm (not boiling) water, then sow.

Sow indoors for quick & early plants: Sow seed into a punnet filled with good quality compost.
Cover the seed with mix to the same depth as the diameter of the seed.

Moisten the punnet thoroughly from below, by standing in a shallow water bath until the surface of the mix is moist.

Place the punnet in a well-lit, warm place such as a window sill (not in direct sunlight), or on a heat mat if you have one.
Nasturtium seeds love warmth to germinate rapidly.
Temperatures of 15-20 degrees C. are optimum for rapid germination.

Seedlings will emerge in 10-12 days.

In the unusual event that your seeds are shy to germinate – wrap the the seed punnet in glad-wrap or a plastic bag.
And place in the fridge (not the freezer) for 4-6 weeks.
This will mimic a winter chill, breaking the natural seed dormancy, and prepare the seeds for germination.

Then remove punnet from fridge, unwrap, and place in a warm, well-lit place or on a heat mat.

Seed Count: 10 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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