Nasturtium, also known as Indian Cress, was often grown as an edible plant in the 18th century, as seen by it's inclusion in Thomas Jefferson's vegetable garden. The young leaves and flowers can be enjoyed in salads, and the seeds can be pickled like capers, just as they were in Jefferson's day. These attractive plants will bloom in an array of colors--reds, oranges, yellows--and with the trailing habit typical of the species before mid-19th century breeding. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Soak seeds in warm water overnight, then sow directly in the garden around the last frost. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in cell-packs, then harden off and transplant outdoors after last frost. Approximately 20-25 seeds per packet.