Black Velvet

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Velvety, near-black blooms and foliage bring a dramatic, inky allure to the garden—then reward you with peppery, bright flavor that feels vivid and alive.

Black Velvet’s tender leaves and flowers offer a crisp, succulent bite with a gentle heat, perfect for adding bold color and zing to fresh arrangements and vibrant garnishes. Grow it for a fast, trailing splash of color in about 50 days, where every bloom seems to glow against deep green.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Mounding

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Mounding
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Black Velvet nasturtium is built for eating—its near-black petals and tender foliage deliver a crisp, peppery snap with a light burn that wakes up creamy or fatty foods. Because the flavor is assertive, use it as the last-minute hit: it stays crunchy and keeps its inky, jewel-toned presence on the plate.

Best Uses

scatter the flowers and young leaves over tomato, cucumber, and citrus salads
use as a sharp garnish on creamy soups right before serving
toss petals into herb salads with a quick vinaigrette
plate on tacos or grain bowls as a vivid, crunchy top note

Flavor Profile

peppery, watercress-like bite bright citrusy snap tender leaf-and-petal crunch gentle heat that lingers

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil goat cheese heirloom tomatoes cucumber duck or roast chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Black Velvet (eggplant) plants get leaves speckled with tiny spots and a grayish webbing?

This looks like spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry weather. Rinse the underside of leaves with a strong spray, then spray insecticidal soap (or neem) every 5–7 days for 3 rounds, making sure to coat leaf undersides. Increase humidity around the plants by mulching and watering consistently to reduce mite flare-ups.

How often should I water Black Velvet during the main growing phase so the fruit doesn’t drop?

Water deeply whenever the top 1 inch of soil dries out—usually about 1–2 times per week, depending on heat. Keep soil evenly moist during flowering and fruiting; eggplant will drop buds/young fruit if the soil swings between wet and dry. Apply water at the base and use mulch to hold moisture, targeting consistent moisture through the 50-day season.

How can I tell when Black Velvet is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruits are glossy dark purple/black and firm, typically about 50 days from transplanting (or near your packet’s maturity). Pick fruits when they’re roughly 6–8 inches long (and still slender); if the skin looks dull or the fruit feels soft or seedy, it’s past prime. Use pruning shears to cut the stem with a short cap of stem attached.