Nasturtium Tom Thumb

The compact nasturtium — and one of the most useful plants in the garden. Nasturtium Tom Thumb produces a dense, mounded carpet of round, lily-pad leaves and cheerful trumpet flowers in a vibrant mix of scarlet, orange, yellow, and cream at just 20–25cm — perfect for path edges, containers, and the front of a sunny border.

Entirely edible — flowers, leaves, and seeds all have a peppery, watercress-like flavour. Outstanding for aphid control (blackfly prefer nasturtiums to vegetables). Self-seeds reliably.

• Tropaeolum majus 'Tom Thumb' — Hardy Annual (H3)
• Height: 20–25cm | Flowers: June–first frost
• Direct sow April–May; full sun to partial shade
• Poor, well-drained soil — do not feed or you get leaves not flowers
• Entirely edible — flowers, leaves, and seeds
• Outstanding pollinator plant — bees and butterflies

Grow it along a path edge with Alyssum Carpet of Snow for a low, cheerful, fragrant border that is as useful as it is beautiful.