nasturtium card with seeds - tropaeolum majus

Handmade A6 blank card with nasturtium seeds to sow and grow. Card, envelope and seed packet made from 100% recycled paper.

Native to South America, nasturtiums have been used for centuries by Incan societies in Peru. Brought to Europe by Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes in the 16th century, the plant became a popular addition to European cultivated gardens. Historically associated with victory, flowers were given to Roman soldiers before battle, and woven into bright floral cloaks to adorn armour.

Nasturtiums are favoured by bees and the small white (or cabbage) butterfly, where females will lay eggs on the undersides of leaves so the caterpillars can feed on the plant before turning into pupae. 

‘Nasturtium’ is derived from an ancient latin name for cress, and the flowers, leaves and buds are all edible and have a strong mustardy flavour. The flowers make a decorative garnish to soups and can be added to salads along with the leaves. Flower buds can be picked and pickled in vinegar and make a fancy alternative to capers. The leaves contain vitamin C, iron, as well as antiseptic components. The seeds are also used medicinally to treat infections of the urinary tract and bronchitis.