How to Grow Nasturtium Microgreens - Everything You Need to Know

Nasturtium, is a variety of microgreen that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique look, flavor and as a part of microgreens family - health benefits. Especially if we are talking about restaurant chefs👩‍🍳 (even the Michelin ones⭐️), and health enthusiasts searching for superfood options. In this article, we will explore:

 

• What is nasturtium?

• What is Nastrurtium Empress of India?

• How to cultivate it?

• Whether it will regrow after cutting?

• Its health benefits and more.
• Comparison of three varieties of nasturtiums: Empress of India, Tom Thumb, Tom Thumb Alaska.

 

Nasturtium Empress of India⬇️

 

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1. What is Nasturtium?

When talking about nasturtium in general, it is worth presenting morphological information about this plant in a few sentences. Nasturtium, from the Latin language. Tropaeolum comes from the nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae).

Nasturtium family includes over 80 species! It may come as a surprise that most of them are native to South America and Central America. The plant was discovered by Spanish conquistadors from Peru in the 16th century. Name comes from the word Tropheum, named by Karol Linneusz. At that time, it served both as a medicine and as part of a meal.

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2. What is Nasturtium Empress of India microgreens?

It is named after Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, when the British Empire was at its height.

Nasturtium Empress of India is a variety of nasturtium that is grown specifically for microgreens/edible leaves and flowers🌸 for garnishing. It is not recommended to use it for sprouts. 

2.1 How does Nasturtium microgrens taste and look?

Nasturtium is a type of microgreen that has a strong, peppery flavor that adds a unique taste to salads and other dishes. Generally Nasturtiums has thin, long, green stems,  and green leaves in circular shape (but not ideally circular) with visible veins. Nasturtium when grown longer and properly, as normal greens can give different colors of flowers. For example: red and orange. 

Its one of the main purposes is garnishing🍲🥙. Makes sensation on plates in popular restaurants, and chefs desire her in their kitchens. Nasturtium Empress of India is a favorite nasturtium from all our varieties and most often ordered ones in our MP SEEDS online shop.

Nasturtium Empress of India has dark leaves (with purple ending sometimes,) much darker than Nasturtium TomThumb. Tom Thumb has light green leaves. All varieties grows very similar. Read more to know the exact differences. 

 

NasturtiumTom Thumb (lighter) and Empress of India (darker)⬇️

 

3. How to Cultivate microgreens Nasturtium Empress of India?

Nasturtium Empress of India is not the easiest one to grow, so we recommend you follow our instructions and be watchful while growing it🤓.

Here are the steps to cultivate Nasturtium Empress of India, and other varieties:

• Nasturtium is not the easiest variety to grow, but when you succeed it's rewarding.
• Choose the seeds from reliable supplier like MP SEEDS. 1 gram of Nasturtium seeds is more of less 8 seeds.
• Start by soaking the seeds in water for 6 hours to soften the seed coat.💧
• Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix or soil. Make sure to cover them with a thin layer of soil. You need arroun 200 grams for typical 10x20 tray🧥
• You may use cococoir or cocomats as substrate as well.🥥
• Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.🪴
• Nasturtium seeds are porous so they are susceptible to mold. If you want to cultivate without any worries about molding, lower the temperature, and grow them slowly!❄️
• The seeds should germinate within 7-10 days.⏰
• Plants should be ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks.⏰
• Be patient!🐒

Botanical name	Tropaeolum majus
Family	Tropaeolaceae
Origin	South and Central America
Common varieties (MP SEEDS)	Empress of India 🌿 / Tom Thumb 🍃 / Tom Thumb Alaska ❄️ / King Theo 👑
Seed size	Large – soaking recommended (6 hours)
Soaking time	6 hours 💧
Germination time	7–10 days
Harvest time	3–4 weeks after sowing
Regrowth after cutting	❌ No (single harvest)
Ideal substrate	Soil, coco coir, or cocomats
Temperature tips	Grow cooler for stronger, spicier flavor ❄️
Flavor profile	Strong, peppery, slightly spicy
Leaf color (by variety)	Empress of India – dark green/purple edges; Tom Thumb – light green; Alaska – spotted
Main use	Garnishing, salads, edible flowers
Health benefits	Rich in vitamins A, C, K; antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, supports digestion
Difficulty level	Intermediate – sensitive to mold
Seed density (10×20 tray)	~200 g substrate; ~8 seeds per gram
Target growers	Chefs, microgreens farmers, food stylists, health enthusiasts

 

3.1 How to grow edible flowers of Nasturtium?

Growing the Nasturtium Edible Flowers needs lower density than with the microgreens. The rest stays the same. 

Nasturtium seeds⬇️

 

3.2 Will Nasturtium Empress of India Regrow After Cutting?

Nasturtium Empress of India is not a regrowing microgreen, which means that it will not regrow after being cut✂️. Once it has been harvested, the plant will not produce new growth, and a new batch of seeds will need to be planted to continue growing the microgreens. 

📚Read the article about regrowing microgreens.

3.3 Is nasturtium microgreen easy to grow?

Nasturtium varieties are not the easiest ones to grow. It is sensitive to mold and long, quite long as for other  microgreens siblings. We recommend starting with sunflower, pea, or radish. 

3.4.Do nasturtium microgreens seeds need to be soaked?

Nasturtium has quite big seeds, so yes, we recommend soaking them for up to 6 hours. All microgreens which has big seeds like for example pea.

 

4. Comparison of three varieties of nasturtiums microgreens: Empress of India, Tom Thumb, Tom Thumb Alaska.

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So, now, when you've read our guide on how to grow nasturtiums, you're ready to pick out your favorite seeds. But which variety should you choose? Fear not, we're here to help!

At our online shop, we offer three different types of nasturtium seeds:

• Nasturtium Empress of India
• Nasturtium Tom Thumb
• Nasturtium Tom Thumb Alaska
• Nasturtium King Theo

4.1 Similarities between Nasturtiums:

• All of them has similar cooling and spicy taste. The colder you grow them, the spicer they will be. 
• All of them can be grown in the similar way. Check the tips above. 
• All of them are healthy. 
• All of them are desired by restaurant chefs and are bestselling microgreens on the market. 

Nasturtium Tom Thumb Alaska⬇️

4.2 Differences between Nastrurtiums:

First up, we have the Empress of India - the dark one with red shaded flowers. It's our best seller, and for good reason! It's like the Beyoncé of nasturtiums - fierce and beautiful.

Next, we have 👉Tom Thumb - the lighter one with yellow and orange shaded flowers. It's like the Miley Cyrus of nasturtiums - fun and playful.

And last but not least, we have 👉Tom Thumb Alaska - the one with cute little dots on its leaves. It's like the Dalmatian of nasturtiums - adorable and unique.

Of course, you could always order all three varieties to check and see which one you and you clients like best. We won't judge - we're just happy to provide you with the best selection of microgreen seeds out there.

Simply click to access our collection of nasturtium microgreens seeds and begin your growing journey today.

 

5. Is Nasturtium microgreens healthy?

Yes, of course. Like other microgreens Nasturtium not only tasty but also packed with countless advantages for your health. Here are a few of them:

1. Rich in Vitamins🎉: Nasturtium Empress of India is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and healthy skin.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Nasturtium Empress of India has anti-inflammatory properties due to the high concentration of antioxidants. It can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the body💪.
3. Antibacterial: Nasturtium Empress of India has natural antibacterial properties that can help fight off infections and boost the immune system.
4. Digestive Aid: Nasturtium contains high levels of fiber, which can help aid digestion and prevent constipation.

📚Read the article about microgreens health benefits.

 

6. How Nasturtium microgreens can be used in the Kitchen?

Nasturtium microgreens are a chef’s dream! Their vibrant colors and peppery, slightly spicy flavor make them a versatile addition to many dishes, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Here’s how they can be used:

• Salads & Garnishes 🌱
  Add a pop of color and a peppery kick to salads or use as a garnish on a wide range of dishes. The bright green leaves with occasional pops of edible flowers can elevate the presentation of any plate.

• Soups 🍲
  Sprinkle nasturtium microgreens over soups right before serving. They add a burst of fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with warm, rich soups, enhancing both taste and aesthetics.

• Sandwiches & Wraps 🥪
  Toss a handful into sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos! Their slight spiciness adds a unique twist, complementing fillings from cheeses to grilled vegetables.

• Cocktails & Beverages 🍹
  High-end bars and restaurants love using edible flowers in cocktails. Nasturtium flowers add visual appeal and a hint of peppery flavor that pairs well with gin, vodka, and herb-based drinks.

• Pasta & Risotto Toppings 🍝
  Finish off a plate of pasta or risotto with nasturtium microgreens for a fresh bite and color contrast that looks impressive and tastes amazing.

• Cheese Boards & Charcuterie 🧀
  For a creative touch on cheese or charcuterie boards, sprinkle nasturtium microgreens among the cheeses, meats, and crackers. The flavors complement rich cheeses and cured meats, adding a burst of freshness.

These culinary uses are part of what makes nasturtium such a favorite among chefs, making it a highly marketable microgreen for your farm.  

 

7. Summary about Nasturtium🖊

In conclusion, Nasturtiums are a tasty and nutritious microgreen that with some time, tips and patience you will grow at home. It can be a great addition to the meals: from cocktails, or salads to soups and garnishing in sublime restaurants. Grow it for yourself, for your family, or for your clients!

 

8. Frequently Asked Questions about Nasturtium Microgreens

How long does it take to grow nasturtium microgreens?

Nasturtium microgreens usually take 7–10 days to germinate and are ready to harvest after 3–4 weeks. The growth time may vary slightly depending on temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Cooler growing environments make the flavor more peppery and intense.

Do nasturtium microgreens regrow after cutting?

No, nasturtium microgreens do not regrow after cutting. They are a single-harvest crop, meaning you need to sow new seeds after harvesting to continue production.

Do you need to soak nasturtium seeds before planting?

Yes. Nasturtium seeds are large and have a hard coat, so it is recommended to soak them for around 6 hours before sowing. Soaking softens the seed coat and supports faster, more uniform germination.

What do nasturtium microgreens taste like?

Nasturtium microgreens have a bold, peppery, and slightly spicy flavor similar to watercress or arugula. Their vibrant taste and colorful leaves make them perfect for salads, sandwiches, and garnishing gourmet dishes.

Are nasturtium microgreens healthy?

Yes! Nasturtium microgreens are highly nutritious and contain vitamins A, C, and K. They also offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, support digestion, and help boost the immune system — making them both beautiful and beneficial on your plate.