Nasturtiums are easy to grow, vigorous annuals with large disc-shaped leaves that smell like capers and bright flowers from mid-summer onwards. They're a magnet for bees and can be used to lure small and large white butterflies away from brassica crops. Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India' is a non-trailing nasturtium, bearing deep red, semi-double flowers in contrast with purple-green leaves.
The flowers and leaves can be eaten in salads and the immature seeds pickled and used like capers. Discover recipes that make use of nasturtiums from our friends at olive magazine:
