Peach Melba nasturtium

Loads of lovely, semi-double blossoms on compact, 8-16” tall plants. The edible, sweet and spicy flowers have cream colored petals with dark orange streaks in the center, creating a vibrant contrast. They are yummy raw in salads or as a side garnish to any dish. Plants produce well both in the garden and hanging baskets. Pollinators love these nectar rich blossoms. Tags: Harvest: Early.

Nasturtium, literally "nose-twister" or "nose-tweaker", was named by Carl Linnaeus because they produce an oil that is similar to that of watercress (Nasturtium officinale). First introduced into Europe in the 18th century and was named Tropaeolum minus by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. He chose the genus name because the plant reminded him of an ancient custom. After victory in battle, the Romans set up a trophy pole called a tropaeum. On this the armor and weapons of the vanquished foe were hung. Linnaeus was reminded of this by the plant as the round leaves resembled shields and the flowers, blood-stained helmets. Nasturtiums were once known commonly as "Indian cresses" because they were introduced from the Americas, known popularly then as the Indies, and used like cress as salad ingredients. The 16th-century herbalist John Gerard called the plant "lark's heel" in his book Of the Historie of Plants.