Nasturtium Baker Creek

The Enduring Charm of Nasturtiums and Baker Creek’s Heirloom Legacy

Nasturtiums, with their vibrant, peppery flowers and distinctive lily pad-like leaves, have captivated gardeners for centuries. Originating from the Andes Mountains of South America, these versatile plants (primarily Tropaeolum majus and Tropaeolum minus) have journeyed across continents, becoming cherished additions to ornamental gardens and culinary landscapes alike. Their ease of cultivation, prolific blooming, and edible qualities make them a perennial favorite, appealing to both novice and experienced gardeners. However, it is the rich tapestry of heirloom varieties, each with its unique story and characteristics, that truly sets nasturtiums apart.

Enter Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, a name synonymous with the preservation and dissemination of open-pollinated, non-GMO, and often rare, heirloom seeds. Dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and celebrating biodiversity, Baker Creek has become a beacon for gardeners seeking to grow varieties that embody history, flavor, and resilience. Their commitment extends beyond mere commerce; it is a mission to safeguard the genetic heritage of our food and ornamental plants, ensuring that future generations can experience the unparalleled beauty and utility of these botanical treasures.

The synergy between nasturtiums and Baker Creek is a natural one. The plant’s inherent adaptability and the wide array of forms and colors it presents perfectly align with Baker Creek’s ethos of diversity. By offering an extensive selection of heirloom nasturtium seeds, Baker Creek empowers gardeners to explore varieties that might otherwise be lost, cultivating not just flowers, but also a connection to gardening traditions and the rich history embedded in each seed. This article delves into the world of nasturtiums, with a particular focus on the unique contributions and opportunities provided by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, guiding enthusiasts through their cultivation, culinary uses, ecological benefits, and the profound act of seed saving.

Unveiling Baker Creek’s Nasturtium Treasures: A Spectrum of Varieties

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is renowned for its diverse catalog, and their nasturtium collection is no exception. Far from the common garden nasturtium, their offerings span a breathtaking array of forms, foliage types, and bloom colors, each telling a unique story and offering distinct aesthetic and culinary appeal. Exploring these varieties is an adventure in itself, allowing gardeners to curate a collection that perfectly suits their vision and growing conditions.

Diversity in Form and Foliage

Nasturtiums come in various growth habits, making them incredibly versatile for different garden applications. Baker Creek’s catalog often features:

• Bush Types: These compact varieties are ideal for containers, borders, or the front of a garden bed. They form neat mounds of foliage and flowers, requiring minimal space. Varieties like ‘Empress of India’ (though it can spread a bit) and others specifically bred for bush habit are popular choices.
• Vining and Trailing Types: Perfect for hanging baskets, spilling over retaining walls, or climbing up trellises and fences, these nasturtiums produce long, scrambling stems that can reach several feet. They create a lush, naturalistic look and are excellent for ground cover or vertical interest. The classic ‘Jewel Mix’ or ‘Alaska Mix’ often include vining tendencies.
• Variegated and Unique Leaf Forms: Beyond the standard green, some nasturtium varieties boast truly remarkable foliage. ‘Alaska Mix’ is perhaps the most famous, featuring striking white-splashed green leaves that provide ornamental value even before the flowers appear. These variegated types add an extra layer of visual interest to the garden.

A Kaleidoscope of Blooms

While the leaves are lovely, nasturtium flowers are the true showstoppers. Baker Creek offers a palette far richer than the standard orange. Gardeners can discover:

• Classic Colors: Rich reds, sunny oranges, and bright yellows remain popular and are often found in mixed packets like the ‘Jewel Mix’. These vibrant hues bring warmth and cheer to any setting.
• Exotic and Subtler Shades: For those seeking something truly distinctive, Baker Creek often features varieties like ‘Black Velvet’, whose incredibly dark, almost black-maroon flowers create a dramatic contrast in the garden. ‘Cream Tropaeolum’ offers delicate, pale yellow to cream blooms, providing a softer, more elegant touch. ‘Cherry Rose’ presents beautiful rose-pink shades, adding a romantic feel. These unique colors allow for sophisticated garden design.
• Double and Semi-Double Flowers: While most nasturtiums have single, trumpet-shaped flowers, some heirloom varieties, such as ‘Cherrelle’, produce elegant double or semi-double blooms. These fuller flowers resemble miniature roses and add a touch of luxury and complexity to the plant’s appearance, often with richer, more intense colors.

The Heirloom Distinction

The significance of selecting nasturtiums from a source like Baker Creek lies in their commitment to heirloom varieties. Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, meaning they reproduce true-to-type from generation to generation, allowing gardeners to save seeds with confidence. This stands in contrast to hybrid varieties, which do not reliably produce offspring identical to the parent plant.

Baker Creek plays a crucial role in curating and distributing these heirloom nasturtium cultivars. By making these historical and genetically stable varieties accessible, they not only offer gardeners unique choices but also contribute to the broader mission of preserving agricultural biodiversity. Each packet of nasturtium seeds from Baker Creek is a small piece of horticultural history, a genetic blueprint for beauty and sustenance that has been carefully stewarded and passed down through time.

Cultivating Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Baker Creek Nasturtiums

Growing nasturtiums from Baker Creek seeds is a rewarding experience, offering both beauty and utility to the home gardener. While generally unfussy, understanding their specific needs can lead to more vigorous growth and an abundance of flowers and edible foliage. This guide provides a detailed approach to successfully cultivating these delightful plants.

Optimal Site Selection and Soil Preparation

• Sunlight Requirements: Nasturtiums thrive in full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, they can tolerate partial shade, especially during the intense afternoon heat, which may help prevent scorching of leaves and flowers. Too much shade, however, will result in leggy plants with fewer blooms.
• Soil Preferences: Interestingly, nasturtiums prefer lean, well-draining soil rather than rich, fertile ground. Overly fertile soil, especially one high in nitrogen, tends to produce an abundance of lush foliage at the expense of flowers. A sandy loam or even moderately poor garden soil is often ideal. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, so avoid heavy, compacted clays. If your soil is very heavy, amend it with some sand or compost to improve structure, but do so sparingly to maintain its lean quality.
• Container vs. In-Ground Planting: Nasturtiums are highly adaptable to both in-ground beds and containers. Bush varieties are perfect for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Vining types excel in hanging baskets where they can trail gracefully, or in large containers with a small trellis for support. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes and use a standard potting mix, avoiding those specifically formulated for heavy feeders.

Seed Starting Techniques for Vigorous Growth

Nasturtiums are among the easiest plants to grow from seed. Baker Creek’s high-quality, open-pollinated seeds provide an excellent foundation for success.

• Direct Sowing vs. Transplanting: Nasturtiums generally prefer to be direct-sown into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. They can be sensitive to root disturbance, so direct sowing often leads to stronger, healthier plants. In regions with short growing seasons, or if you want an early start, you can begin seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Use biodegradable pots (like peat or coir pots) to minimize transplant shock, as these can be planted directly into the ground.
• Pre-Germination Treatments: Nasturtium seeds have a tough outer coat that can sometimes hinder germination. Soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting can significantly improve germination rates and speed up the process. Alternatively, light scarification – gently nicking the seed coat with a small file or sandpaper – can also be effective, but be careful not to damage the embryo.
• Proper Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant nasturtium seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep. Space bush varieties 8-12 inches apart, while vining types should be spaced 12-18 inches apart, especially if you intend for them to spread or climb. Once established, thin seedlings to the recommended spacing if they germinated too thickly.

Watering, Feeding, and Ongoing Care

• Consistent Moisture Needs: Nasturtiums prefer consistently moist soil, but they are not tolerant of waterlogging. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil is damp but not soggy. Established plants can tolerate some drought, but prolonged dryness can lead to reduced flowering and stressed foliage.
• Minimal Fertilization for Abundant Blooms: As mentioned, nasturtiums perform best in lean soil. Avoid heavy fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilizers, which will promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If your soil is extremely poor, a single application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (or compost tea) early in the growing season can be beneficial, but often, no additional feeding is required.
• Deadheading for Extended Flowering: To encourage continuous blooming, regularly deadhead spent flowers. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production and directs it towards producing more blooms. While this is beneficial for ornamental display, if you wish to save seeds (a practice encouraged by Baker Creek’s heirloom focus), allow some flowers to go to seed later in the season.
• Providing Support for Vining Varieties: For vining nasturtiums, provide a trellis, fence, or other structure for them to climb. They can also be allowed to ramble as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. Pruning can be done to manage their size and shape, especially for container-grown plants.

The Edible Garden Jewel: Culinary Applications of Nasturtiums

Beyond their undeniable beauty, nasturtiums offer a delightful gastronomic experience. Every part of the nasturtium plant, from its leaves to its flowers and even its immature seeds, is edible and imparts a distinctive peppery, slightly mustardy flavor. This makes them a prized ingredient in both home kitchens and gourmet restaurants, adding both visual appeal and a unique zest to a wide array of dishes.

Leaves: A Peppery Punctuation

Nasturtium leaves are perhaps the most frequently harvested part of the plant for culinary use. Their round, slightly wavy shape and vibrant green color are attractive, but it’s their flavor that truly stands out.

• Flavor Profile and Nutritional Value: The leaves boast a fresh, spicy, and peppery taste, reminiscent of watercress or arugula, with a subtle tang. Young, tender leaves tend to be milder, while older leaves pack a more significant punch. They are also a surprisingly nutritious addition to the diet, rich in Vitamin C, iron, and other antioxidants, contributing to overall health and wellness.
• Uses in Salads, Sandwiches, Pesto:
  • Salads: Chop nasturtium leaves and add them to mixed green salads for a lively, peppery kick. They pair exceptionally well with milder greens, fresh vegetables, and light vinaigrettes.
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Use whole leaves as a flavorful alternative to lettuce or spinach. Their robust flavor complements meats, cheeses, and vegetable fillings, adding an exciting dimension to everyday meals.
  • Pesto: For a unique twist on traditional pesto, substitute some or all of the basil with nasturtium leaves. The peppery notes combine beautifully with garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts (or walnuts), and olive oil, creating a vibrant, flavorful sauce for pasta, bruschetta, or grilled chicken.

Flowers: Beauty and Bite

Nasturtium flowers are not only stunning to behold but also fully edible, offering a milder, sweeter version of the leaf’s peppery flavor. Their vibrant colors make them an ideal garnish, transforming simple dishes into culinary works of art.

• Garnishing Dishes with Vibrant Hues: The cheerful yellows, oranges, and reds of nasturtium blooms instantly elevate the visual appeal of any plate. Sprinkle whole flowers or individual petals over salads, soups, appetizers, or desserts for a pop of color and an unexpected hint of spice.
• Incorporating into Salads, Compound Butters, Infused Vinegars:
  • Salads: Beyond garnishing, nasturtium flowers can be a primary ingredient in flower-based salads, often mixed with other edible blooms like calendula or borage.
  • Compound Butters: Finely chop nasturtium flowers and leaves and mix them into softened butter with a pinch of salt. This peppery compound butter is fantastic on grilled meats, vegetables, or spread on fresh bread.
  • Infused Vinegars: Steep nasturtium flowers in white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a few weeks to create a beautifully colored and flavored dressing for salads.

Immature Seeds: Gardeners’ Capers

One of the most exciting culinary discoveries for nasturtium growers is the use of their immature seed pods, often referred to as “nasturtium capers.”

• Harvesting and Preparation for Pickling: After the flowers fade, round, green seed pods develop. Harvest these when they are still plump and green, before they begin to harden and dry. Rinse them thoroughly.
• Flavor and Texture: A Zesty Alternative: These pickled pods offer a zesty, tangy, and subtly peppery flavor with a satisfying pop, making them an excellent substitute for traditional capers in various dishes.
• Pickling Process: Typically, they are pickled in a brine of vinegar, water, salt, and sometimes sugar and spices. A common method involves a quick boil of the pods, followed by immersion in a hot pickling liquid and canning.

Recipe Inspirations

Embrace the full potential of your nasturtium harvest with these simple ideas:

• Simple Nasturtium Salad: Combine fresh nasturtium leaves and flowers with mild greens like butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Dress with a light lemon vinaigrette.
• Nasturtium Pesto: Blend 2 cups nasturtium leaves (and a few flowers for color), ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup pine nuts (or walnuts), 2 cloves garlic, and ½ cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pickled Nasturtium Pods: Blanch 1 cup of immature nasturtium pods for 1-2 minutes. Prepare a brine with 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp pickling salt, and optional spices (peppercorns, mustard seeds). Pack pods into sterilized jars, pour hot brine over them, and seal. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks before enjoying.

Nasturtiums as Allies: Companion Planting and Ecological Contributions

Beyond their decorative and culinary attributes, nasturtiums are powerful allies in the organic garden, offering a range of ecological benefits that support overall garden health and biodiversity. Their strategic placement can contribute to pest management, attract beneficial insects, and even improve soil conditions, making them an invaluable companion plant.

The Ultimate Trap Crop

One of the most celebrated uses of nasturtiums in companion planting is their role as a “trap crop.”

• Diverting Aphids from Vulnerable Plants: Nasturtiums are incredibly attractive to aphids, often more so than many other garden vegetables and ornamentals. By planting nasturtiums near susceptible plants (like brassicas, beans, or roses), gardeners can effectively draw aphids away from their prized crops. The aphids will congregate on the nasturtiums, leaving other plants relatively untouched.
• Monitoring and Managing Pests on Nasturtiums: Once aphids have accumulated on the nasturtiums, they are much easier to manage. You can periodically hose off the nasturtium plants with a strong stream of water, destroying the aphid colonies. Alternatively, if the infestation becomes too severe, you can simply remove and dispose of the most heavily infested nasturtium plants, taking the aphids with them. This sacrificial role helps maintain the health of the entire garden ecosystem.
• Organic Control Methods: For continued management, organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap can be applied directly to the nasturtiums without harming other crops. The goal is not necessarily to eradicate all aphids but to keep their populations in check and divert them from more valuable produce.

Attracting Beneficial Insects and Pollinators

The vibrant, often brightly colored nasturtium flowers are not just for human enjoyment; they are also a magnet for a host of beneficial creatures.

• Drawing Bees, Butterflies, and Hoverflies: The open, nectar-rich flowers are particularly appealing to various pollinators, including bees (honeybees and native bees), butterflies, and hummingbirds. By including nasturtiums in your garden, you provide a valuable food source that supports these essential creatures, contributing to the pollination of other fruits and vegetables in your garden.
• Supporting Garden Biodiversity: Beyond pollinators, nasturtiums also attract predatory insects that feed on pests. For example, hoverflies, whose larvae are voracious aphid eaters, are often drawn to nasturtium flowers. Ladybugs, another well-known aphid predator, also frequent nasturtium patches. By fostering a diverse insect population, nasturtiums help create a more balanced and resilient garden ecosystem, reducing the reliance on chemical interventions.

Ground Cover and Soil Health Benefits

For vining and trailing varieties, nasturtiums offer practical benefits for soil management.

• Weed Suppression: When allowed to spread, their dense foliage forms an effective living mulch, shading out unwanted weeds and reducing the need for manual weeding.
• Moisture Retention: The ground cover provided by nasturtium leaves also helps to reduce soil evaporation, keeping the soil cooler and retaining moisture, which is especially beneficial during dry periods.
• Erosion Control on Slopes: On gentle slopes or raised beds, vining nasturtiums can help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion caused by rain or wind.

Integration into Permaculture Systems

In permaculture design, where every element serves multiple functions, nasturtiums are a prime example of a multi-purpose plant. They contribute to pest management, attract beneficial wildlife, offer edible components, and improve soil health, making them a valuable inclusion in polycultures and food forests. Their adaptability to various conditions and their forgiving nature further enhance their utility in sustainable gardening practices.

Preserving the Legacy: Seed Saving Nasturtiums from Baker Creek Stock

One of the most empowering aspects of growing open-pollinated heirloom varieties from Baker Creek is the ability to save your own seeds. This practice not only provides an endless supply of your favorite nasturtium varieties but also connects you directly to the mission of seed preservation, ensuring genetic diversity and fostering a deeper relationship with your garden. Saving nasturtium seeds is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Understanding Nasturtium Seed Development

To successfully save seeds, it’s crucial to understand the nasturtium’s life cycle and how its seeds mature.

• From Flower to Seed Pod: After a nasturtium flower is pollinated (often by bees or hummingbirds), the petals will wilt and fall away. Beneath where the flower was, you’ll notice the ovary swelling into a small, tripartite seed pod. Each segment of this pod typically contains one seed.
• Identifying Mature Seeds: As the seed pod matures, it will grow larger and transition from green to a pale yellow or tan color. Crucially, the pods will also begin to dry out and eventually drop off the plant on their own. This ‘self-dropping’ is the best indicator that the seeds inside are fully mature and ready for harvest. Immature green seeds, if harvested too early, will not be viable.

Harvesting and Processing Seeds

Once you’ve identified mature seed pods, the harvesting and processing steps are simple.

• Timing and Collection Methods: Monitor your nasturtium plants regularly, especially as the season progresses. Collect the dry, dropped seeds from the ground around the base of the plant. If you want to prevent them from dropping into undesirable spots, you can gently pick pods that are fully yellowed and feel firm and dry, even if they haven’t completely fallen off yet. It’s often best to collect seeds on a dry day to minimize moisture.
• Drying and Cleaning Seeds: After collection, it’s essential to thoroughly dry the seeds to prevent mold and ensure long-term viability. Spread the collected seeds in a single layer on a screen, newspaper, or a clean tray in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Allow them to dry for at least one to two weeks, or until they are completely hard and brittle. They should not feel spongy or flexible. Once dry, gently rub the seeds to remove any remaining papery husks or plant debris.

Storage for Future Generations

Proper storage is key to maintaining the viability of your saved nasturtium seeds for future planting seasons.

• Optimal Conditions for Longevity: Store cleaned and thoroughly dried seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place. An airtight container (like a glass jar with a tight lid, a sealed plastic bag, or a paper envelope stored inside an airtight container) is ideal. Moisture, heat, and light are the primary enemies of seed longevity.
• Labeling and Documentation: Always label your seed containers clearly with the plant name (e.g., ‘Nasturtium Empress of India’), the date of harvest, and any relevant notes (e.g., “from Baker Creek stock”). This meticulous record-keeping will be invaluable for future planting and for tracking the success of your seed-saving efforts. Nasturtium seeds, when stored properly, can remain viable for 3-5 years or even longer.

The Heirloom Seed Saving Ethos

By saving nasturtium seeds from your Baker Creek stock, you are directly participating in the broader heirloom movement. This act is more than just a cost-saving measure; it is a contribution to:

• Contributing to Genetic Diversity: Each seed saved helps maintain the unique genetic traits of that particular heirloom variety, ensuring its survival and adaptability.
• Ensuring Access to Open-Pollinated Varieties: Seed saving preserves the independence of gardeners from commercial seed markets, allowing access to diverse, open-pollinated varieties that might otherwise disappear.
• Fostering a Resilient Food System: Collectively, individual seed-saving efforts strengthen local food systems and contribute to global food security by maintaining a wide gene pool for our cultivated plants.

The simple act of saving nasturtium seeds from your garden, especially those unique varieties acquired from Baker Creek, becomes a powerful statement of sustainability and a personal investment in the future of gardening. It closes the loop of the gardening cycle, allowing you to pass on the beauty and bounty of these plants from one season to the next.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting for Nasturtium Growers

While nasturtiums are generally easy to grow, gardeners may occasionally encounter specific challenges. Understanding these common issues and how to troubleshoot them can ensure a flourishing patch of these vibrant plants, especially when growing heirloom varieties from Baker Creek.

Dealing with Aphid Infestations

Aphids are perhaps the most common pest to plague nasturtiums. As previously discussed, nasturtiums often act as a trap crop, drawing aphids away from other plants.

• Organic Control Methods: For light infestations, a strong spray of water from a hose can dislodge aphids. Repeat every few days until the population is under control. For more persistent issues, an insecticidal soap solution (homemade with mild dish soap and water, or commercially available) can be effective. Apply in the early morning or late evening, ensuring coverage of both the top and underside of leaves. Neem oil is another organic option that disrupts aphid feeding and reproduction.
• Embracing Their Role as a Trap Crop: Sometimes, the best strategy is to let the nasturtiums do their job. If the aphids are heavily concentrated on the nasturtiums and not spreading to other plants, you can monitor the situation. Natural predators like ladybugs and hoverflies are often attracted to aphid-laden nasturtiums, establishing a natural pest control system within your garden.
• Pruning Heavily Infested Portions: In severe cases, where a section of nasturtiums is completely covered in aphids, it may be best to prune off and dispose of the infested parts (bagged and discarded, not composted) to prevent further spread and reduce the overall pest pressure.

Leggy Growth and Lack of Blooms

If your nasturtiums are producing abundant foliage but few flowers, or if the plants appear stretched and sparse, there are usually specific underlying causes.

• Addressing Over-Fertilization: The most common reason for leggy growth and poor flowering is overly rich soil, particularly soil high in nitrogen. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Nasturtiums prefer lean soil. If you suspect this is the case, avoid any further fertilization and allow the soil to naturally deplete some of its nutrients.
• Ensuring Adequate Sunlight: Lack of sufficient sunlight (less than 6 hours of direct sun) will also cause nasturtiums to stretch and reach for light, resulting in leggy plants with fewer blooms. Relocate container plants to a sunnier spot or, for in-ground plants, consider their placement for the next growing season.
• Pruning for Bushier Growth: Pinching back the growing tips of young nasturtium plants can encourage bushier growth and more side shoots, leading to a fuller plant with potentially more flowers.

Leaf Spot and Other Fungal Issues

Nasturtiums are generally resistant to most diseases, but in certain conditions, fungal issues can arise.

• Promoting Air Circulation: Leaf spot, characterized by dark spots on the leaves, can occur in humid conditions or when plants are too crowded. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to allow for good air circulation, which helps dry foliage more quickly.
• Proper Watering Techniques: Water at the base of the plant in the morning, avoiding overhead watering that keeps leaves wet for prolonged periods. This minimizes the conditions favorable for fungal growth. If fungal issues are persistent, removing affected leaves can help prevent spread.

Seasonal Considerations and Overwintering

Nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals in most climates, completing their life cycle within one growing season.

• Treating Nasturtiums as Annuals in Most Climates: In temperate zones, nasturtiums will succumb to the first hard frost. There is generally no need to attempt overwintering the plants themselves.
• Seed Saving as the Method of Perpetuation: Instead of trying to keep the plants alive, focus on saving seeds from your favorite Baker Creek varieties as discussed previously. This ensures you have a supply for the following spring, allowing you to perpetuate the beauty of your heirloom nasturtiums season after season. In very mild, frost-free climates (USDA Zones 9-11), nasturtiums might behave as short-lived perennials, but their vigor often wanes after the first year.

By being attentive to these common issues, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant and healthy nasturtium display, maximizing the potential of the unique heirloom varieties sourced from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Nasturtiums and Heirloom Gardening

The nasturtium, in its myriad forms and colors, stands as a testament to the simple yet profound joys of gardening. From its peppery leaves and vibrant, edible flowers to its role as a companion plant and a source of unique “capers,” this versatile botanical gem offers something for every gardener. Its ease of cultivation, coupled with its undeniable charm, ensures its enduring place in gardens around the world.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds significantly amplifies this appeal by providing access to a rich palette of heirloom nasturtium varieties. Their dedication to preserving genetic diversity and making these unique cultivars available empowers gardeners to explore beyond the conventional, fostering a deeper appreciation for the historical and ecological significance of each plant. By choosing Baker Creek seeds, gardeners are not just planting a flower; they are planting a piece of history, contributing to a vital movement that champions biodiversity and sustainable practices.

We encourage gardeners to embrace the full spectrum of what nasturtiums offer. Experiment with different varieties, from the classic ‘Jewel Mix’ to the dramatic ‘Black Velvet’ or the variegated ‘Alaska Mix’. Integrate them into your culinary adventures, enjoy their beauty in your garden beds and containers, and observe their beneficial impact on your garden ecosystem. Most importantly, engage in the rewarding practice of seed saving, especially from your Baker Creek stock, becoming a steward of these living legacies for future generations.

The journey with nasturtiums, especially those nurtured by the ethos of heirloom gardening, is a continuous discovery of beauty, flavor, and ecological harmony. It is an invitation to connect with nature, history, and community through the simple, powerful act of growing.