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Β£2.30
Product Description
Nasturtium 'Tom Thumb' Seeds
If you have a vegetable patch, you need Nasturtium 'Tom Thumb'. Unlike the unruly trailing varieties that scramble everywhere, this is a specially bred dwarf variety. It forms neat, compact mounds of lily-pad leaves topped with vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in fiery shades of orange, scarlet, and yellow.
But this plant is more than just a pretty face. It is a triple-threat: it looks beautiful edging a path, it acts as a "trap crop" to lure pests away from your precious vegetables, and every single part of it is edible. The leaves have a peppery kick like watercress, the flowers look stunning in salads, and the seeds can be pickled as "poor man's capers."
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πΏ Understanding the Plant
Tropaeolum majus (nanum) 'Tom Thumb' is a vigorous Half-Hardy Annual (H2). It is famous for its rapid growth, often going from seed to flower in just a few weeks, though it is highly frost-sensitive and will perish at the first touch of a UK winter.
The "Treat Mean" Rule: One of the golden rules for Nasturtiums in the UK is to avoid rich soil. If planted in heavily manured ground or fed with high-nitrogen fertiliser, the plant will produce massive, lush green leaves but almost no flowers. To get a carpet of citrus blooms, plant them in your poorest, driest soil.
The Sacrificial Lamb: In organic gardening, 'Tom Thumb' is frequently used as a "trap crop." Blackfly (aphids) and Cabbage White butterflies are more attracted to Nasturtiums than they are to beans or brassicas. By planting them nearby, you lure the pests away from your harvest.
π± Growing Guide
Nasturtium seeds are large and easy to handle, making them a perfect choice for children or beginner gardeners.
How to Sow:
Sow directly outdoors from April to June. Poke a hole about 2cm deep and drop a seed in. Because they have a sensitive root system, they dislike being transplanted, so direct sowing into their final position is best. Germination is usually very quick, occurring within 10-14 days.
Where to Plant:
They demand full sun to flower well. They thrive in poor, dry, or gritty soil where other plants might struggle. This makes them excellent for hot gravel gardens, dry banks, or the edges of allotment paths.
Ongoing Care:
Do not feed them! Just water occasionally during prolonged dry spells. If your plants become heavily infested with blackfly (doing their job as a trap crop), simply snip off the affected stems and discard them; the plant is vigorous enough to regrow fresh foliage quickly.
π Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name |
Tropaeolum majus (nanum) |
| Common Name |
Dwarf Nasturtium 'Tom Thumb' |
| Plant Type |
Half-Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness |
H2 (Frost tender) |
| Light Requirements |
Full Sun βοΈ |
| Height |
25cm - 30cm |
| Spread |
30cm |
| Spacing |
Plant 30cm apart |
| Flowering Period |
July to October |
| Perfect For |
π₯ Edible Kitchen Gardens
π Protective Trap Cropping
πΊ Window Boxes & Troughs
𧱠Path Edging |
| Seeds per Packet |
Approximately 35 large seeds |
π€ Beautiful Garden Combinations
'Tom Thumb' is best placed in the vegetable garden or at the front of a hot, sunny border. Pair it with these available partners:
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πΌ Calendula 'Art Shades': The Edible Potager. Combine the citrus colors of Nasturtium with the soft apricot and cream tones of Calendula. Both are edible, medicinal, and brilliant for attracting pollinators to your vegetable plot.
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π₯ French Marigold 'Spanish Brocade': The Protective Border. Both plants act as natural deterrents for pests. Marigolds and Nasturtiums planted together create a vibrant, low-growing "shield" around your crops in shades of fire-orange and gold.
π
Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed in spring for flowers all summer long.
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F |
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A |
M |
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J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
| Sow Outdoors |
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β |
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| Flowering |
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β |
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π₯§ Edibility Note
All parts of the Nasturtium are edible! The flowers have a peppery kick, and the leaves taste similar to watercress. The seeds can even be pickled in vinegar to make a spicy alternative to capers.
π Biodiversity Powerhouse
Nasturtiums are a vital part of a healthy garden ecosystem. They provide a high-value nectar source for bumblebees and act as an essential food plant for the caterpillars of the Cabbage White butterfly, helping to keep your vegetables safe.
