Nasturtium - Whirlybird Cherry
Low mounds covered with a mass of bloom. The semidouble cherry rose flowers are carried well above the foliage and face upwards so all are visible. Ideal for bedding, borders, tubs, containers etc. Flowers can be cut for unusual floral decorations. Flowers summer/autumn. Height 30cm (12in).
Sow outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 20mm (¾in) deep, in rows 30cm (12in) apart.
For earlier flowering: Sow seed, 1cm deep, 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot, in free-draining, damp seed compost. Place at 20-29C (68-86F) until after germination. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.
Thin out seedlings to 15cm (6in) apart. They will grow in most soils but prefer poor dry soils and full sun. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out after all risk of frost has gone.
They flower most freely in full sun and poor dryish soils. Before planting in containers make sure they are well rooted in their pots.