Empress Of India

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Fragrant, jewel-bright blossoms open in a riot of warm sunset tones, with a peppery snap and a clean, slightly citrusy lift that feels instantly refreshing.

Empress Of India produces lush, trailing nasturtium foliage with succulent stems and tender leaves, creating a vivid living bouquet that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Grow it for abundant garden color and for vibrant garnishes, salads, and quick pickling accents that capture its distinctive bite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Empress Of India

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 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Empress Of India nasturtiums taste like a pepper-lemon handshake—instant lift with a juicy, succulent bite. Use the flowers late so they stay vivid and snappy, and treat the leaves like tender greens with a mild, green heat.

Best Uses

toss into fresh salads as a bright, peppery top note
quick-pickle the buds/petals for tangy, crunchy garnish
tear leaves and scatter over warm grain bowls for fresh heat
use as a high-impact edible garnish on tacos, soups, and roast veg

Flavor Profile

peppery snap slightly citrusy lift tender, juicy petals succulent, mild-leaf chew

Kitchen Pairings

lemon goat cheese butter vinegar honey

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Tropaeolum majus (Empress of India), and how do I treat it?

Tropaeolum majus commonly suffers from aphids, which cluster on tender shoots and buds and can leave sticky residue. Rinse plants with a strong jet of water, then spray insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days until no new aphids appear. If you see gray-brown leaf spots or powdery growth, remove affected leaves and improve airflow by spacing plants wider to reduce humidity around foliage.

How often should I water Empress of India during its main growing phase?

During active flowering, water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, aiming for evenly moist soil rather than soggy ground. In full sun, this usually means about 1–2 times per week depending on your heat and soil drainage. Avoid wetting leaves late in the day to reduce leaf-spot problems.

How can I tell when Tropaeolum majus is ready to harvest?

Empress of India is ready about 45 days after sowing, and you’ll know it’s harvest time when plants are producing plenty of open, vibrant blooms. For best flavor and texture, harvest individual flowers and tender leaves in the morning when they’re fully turgid, before midday heat wilts them. Continue harvesting frequently to encourage ongoing blooming.