Nasturtiums are the rare flowering plant that delivers both ornamental drama and kitchen utility without demanding a single ounce of coddling. The thick, round leaves and richly saturated blooms in shades of crimson, amber, and gold create a sprawling ground cover or trailing cascade that hides bare soil and outcompetes weeds. Every part of the plant is edible, bringing a sharp, peppery bite to salads and garnishes that commercial watercress cannot match. The real challenge is not growing them — it’s choosing the right seed package when faced with dozens of options claiming superior germination and sheer volume.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My approach to seed selection is rooted in analyzing germination test data, examining seed source transparency, and cross-referencing thousands of verified owner reports to identify which packages deliver the most reliable, vigorous nasturtium plants across diverse climates and soil conditions.
Whether you are planting a dedicated cut-flower patch or tucking seeds into a vegetable bed for pest-deterrent companion planting, this guide breaks down the best options for bulk quantity, bloom color diversity, and ease of germination. I have organized this list around five distinct seed packages to help you find the best nasturtium seeds for planting that match your garden size and personal taste without guesswork.
How To Choose The Best Nasturtium Seeds For Planting
Nasturtiums are forgiving enough for complete novices, but selecting the wrong seed type or quantity can still lead to disappointment. The key is matching the seed package to your specific planting area, desired growth habit, and bloom timing. Here are the critical factors to evaluate before you buy.
Bush versus trailing growth habit
Nasturtium seeds fall into two distinct morphological categories: mounding/bush types that form compact, rounded plants reaching 12 to 18 inches tall, and trailing/climbing varieties that can spread 48 to 60 inches across the ground or up a trellis. Bush types like Jewel Mix are ideal for border edges, raised bed fronts, and small containers. Trailing types like Double Gleam or Whirlybird are better suited for hanging baskets, rock gardens, or covering bare ground. Most bulk packages contain a mixed blend of both habits, so check the product description if you need a specific form for your layout.
Seed quantity and coverage area
Nasturtium seeds vary dramatically in weight and count between brands. A 4-ounce packet typically contains 700 to 900 seeds and covers roughly 80 to 100 square feet at recommended spacing. A full 1-pound bag holds over 2,500 seeds and can handle larger projects like full garden borders or mass plantings. If you only need a few plants for containers or a small patch, a bulk pound bag is excessive and the seeds will lose viability over multiple seasons. Match your seed volume to your actual planting area within one growing season.
Germination rate and seed freshness
Nasturtium seeds have a hard outer coat that can delay or prevent germination if the seeds are old or improperly stored. Look for brands that explicitly guarantee a germination rate of 85 percent or higher, and check that the packaging is moisture-proof and resealable. Seeds stored in temperature-controlled facilities and packaged for the current growing season consistently outperform older stock. Soaking seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting can boost germination success by softening the seed coat, but this works best on fresh seeds to begin with.
Edibility and flavor profile
While all nasturtiums are edible, the intensity of the peppery flavor varies between varieties and growing conditions. Plants grown in poor, lean soil produce the sharpest, most pungent leaves and flowers, while those in rich, nitrogen-heavy soil become milder and produce more foliage than blooms. If you intend to use nasturtiums primarily as a culinary ingredient, choose a mixed-color packet with multiple flower types for visual variety on the plate and plant them in full sun with minimal fertilization.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outsidepride Jewel Mix 1 lb | Premium Bulk | Large gardens, massive coverage | 1 lb bag / ~2,500 seeds | Amazon |
| Sweet Yards Mixed Colors ¼ lb | Premium Value | High germination guarantee | ¼ lb bag / ~900 seeds | Amazon |
| Seed Needs Jewel & Double Gleam | Mid-Range | Bush + trailing combo | Double variety pack | Amazon |
| Organo Republic 4 oz Pack | Mid-Range | Beginner-friendly, resealable | 4 oz / ~700 seeds | Amazon |
| Seedphony Nasturtium 4 oz | Value | Budget-conscious planting | 4 oz / ~700 seeds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Outsidepride Jewel Mix Nasturtium Seeds 1 lb
This 1-pound bag from Outsidepride is the volume king of the category, delivering approximately 2,500 seeds that can cover an entire garden border or a series of raised beds with ease. The Jewel Mix formulation combines mounding plants that cap at 12 to 14 inches with trailing vines that stretch up to 60 inches, offering both upright density and ground-spreading coverage from a single packet. The 2 to 3 inch flowers emerge in a saturated palette of red, orange, and yellow, starting in midsummer and persisting well into fall even under sporadic watering.
Germination reports from verified buyers are overwhelmingly positive, with most users seeing sprouts within 7 to 10 days when sown directly outdoors at soil temperatures around 68°F. A small fraction of buyers reported zero germination across a sample of 50 seeds, which suggests occasional batch variability, but the volume is high enough that even a sub-90 percent rate still leaves hundreds of viable plants. The seeds are open-pollinated and heirloom, making them suitable for seed saving if you allow some pods to mature on the vine.
The 1-pound quantity is ideal for anyone planning a full-scale pollinator patch or companion planting alongside tomatoes and cucumbers. The edible flowers and leaves deliver the classic peppery bite, and the plant’s natural pest-deterrent properties make it a workhorse in vegetable gardens. For smaller spaces or container-only planting, this bag is excessive and the seeds may lose viability before you can use them all. Store the excess in a cool, dark, dry place and plan to share with neighbors.
What works
- Massive seed count for large-scale planting projects
- Includes both compact bush and trailing vine habits
- Reliable germination with proper soil temperature
What doesn’t
- Too much quantity for small gardens or container use
- Inconsistent germination reported in isolated batches
2. Sweet Yards Nasturtium Seeds – Mixed Colors ¼ lb
Sweet Yards delivers a well-calibrated ¼-pound bag containing over 900 open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds — enough to cover roughly 80 square feet without overwhelming a typical home garden. The mixed-color selection produces flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow atop compact plants that reach about 2 feet in height. The growth habit leans toward mounding rather than aggressive trailing, making this a strong choice for defined bed borders and container plantings where you want contained, upright color.
Verified buyers consistently report near-complete germination rates, particularly when seeds are soaked overnight before planting. Several reviews noted that even seeds that floated during soaking still sprouted, indicating good overall seed vigor. The brand’s “guaranteed to grow” policy offers a no-questions-asked replacement or refund, which removes financial risk from the purchase. A small number of users cautioned against using fertilized potting soil for starting, as rich mixes can cause leggy, weak stems — standard seed-starting mix is the better path.
The moderate bulk size hits a sweet spot for gardeners who want substantial coverage without committing to a full pound. The flowers are fully edible with a bright peppery flavor, and the plants attract bees and butterflies while repelling aphids. For those in hot climates like Texas or Arizona, partial afternoon shade and consistent moisture help the plants thrive through peak summer temperatures.
What works
- Excellent germination success with overnight soak
- Guaranteed replacement policy removes purchase risk
- Good volume for a generous garden without excess
What doesn’t
- Fertilized soil can cause leggy, weak seedlings
- Only mounding habit; no trailing variety included
3. Seed Needs Jewel Blend & Double Gleam Nasturtiums
Seed Needs takes a different approach by packaging two distinct nasturtium varieties in a single set: Jewel Blend, a mounding bush type reaching 12 to 18 inches, and Double Gleam, a trailing variety that spreads up to 60 inches. This combination gives the gardener maximum design flexibility from one purchase, allowing upright edging in the front of a bed while the trailing vines spill over the sides of containers or weave through rock gardens. The semi-double to double blooms appear in red, yellow, orange, and gold, creating a notably fuller flower form than single-petal varieties.
Customer feedback highlights fast germination — typically within one week for the Jewel Blend after an overnight soak — and strong seedling vigor. The Double Gleam seeds require a slightly different approach: removing the dried seed pod before planting improves success rates. The total count of roughly 350 seeds is lower than the bulk competition, but the curated variety mix justifies the trade-off for gardeners who want both growth habits without buying two separate packets. The packaging uses tear-resistant, moisture-proof material with detailed sowing information on the reverse side.
This is an excellent choice for edible landscapers who want nasturtiums in multiple garden zones. The flowers and leaves are edible with a spicy, watercress-like kick, and the Jewel Blend’s compact form makes it easy to interplant with vegetables without overwhelming the bed. The 350-seed count is manageable for a season of planting without leftover seeds that go stale.
What works
- Two distinct varieties in one purchase for design flexibility
- Double flower form adds visual density to blooms
- Moisture-resistant packaging preserves seed freshness
What doesn’t
- Lower seed count compared to bulk pound bags
- Double Gleam requires pod removal for best germination
4. Organo Republic Nasturtium Seeds Pack 4 oz
Organo Republic offers a 4-ounce packet containing over 700 non-GMO heirloom seeds packaged in a waterproof, resealable bag that protects against sunlight and moisture. The resealable feature is a practical advantage for staggered planting across the spring and summer months, allowing you to open the packet, remove some seeds, and store the rest without losing viability. Each packet includes a QR code linking to an online growing guide, which is particularly helpful for first-time nasturtium growers who want step-by-step sowing instructions.
Verified buyers report that all seeds germinated without requiring soaking or scoring, with plants blooming quickly after transplanting outdoors. Several reviewers noted the seeds performed well as companion plants for vegetables, effectively repelling squash bugs while attracting pollinators. The 700-seed count is generous enough for a medium-sized garden but not overwhelming, and the company tests for a 90 percent-plus germination rate. The seeds are sourced from US suppliers and packaged in a family-owned Florida facility.
The main limitation is the lack of variety specificity — this packet contains a mixed blend of colors and growth habits without distinguishing between bush and trailing types. Gardeners who need a specific form for a precise design may prefer a labeled variety pack. Still, for general mixed-color planting with minimal effort, this packet delivers reliable results and strong customer satisfaction.
What works
- Waterproof resealable packaging preserves seed freshness
- QR code growing guide ideal for beginners
- High germination rate reported without pre-treatment
What doesn’t
- No differentiation between bush and trailing varieties
- Limited to mixed colors with no single-variety option
5. Seedphony Nasturtium Seeds Pack 4 oz
Seedphony provides a 4-ounce packet of roughly 700 non-GMO heirloom nasturtium seeds, housed in a waterproof resealable pouch designed to maintain viability for up to two years. The mixed-color blooms include orange, red, yellow, and pink, offering a broader color spectrum than some competitors that stick to the traditional warm tones. The packet includes QR code access to an online growing guide, making the initial planting experience straightforward for gardeners at any skill level.
Customer reviews indicate a germination rate in the 65 to 75 percent range when direct-sown outdoors, which is slightly lower than the 90 percent claims of some rivals. However, several reviewers noted that the seeds are extremely forgiving of neglect — plants germinated and bloomed even with minimal watering and no soil amendment. The seeds produced edible flowers and leaves with the characteristic peppery flavor, and the plants attracted pollinators while tolerating frost and thunderstorm conditions. One buyer measured the actual seed weight at 3.8 ounces rather than the advertised 4 ounces, a minor discrepancy.
This packet works best for budget-conscious gardeners who want a large quantity of seeds for casual planting across a wide area. The slightly lower germination rate is offset by the sheer number of seeds, so even a 65 percent rate still produces over 450 plants. The waterproof pouch and digital guide make it a practical choice for gardeners who may not plant all seeds immediately and need reliable storage.
What works
- Very forgiving of poor soil and inconsistent watering
- Waterproof pouch preserves seeds for two years
- Broad color mix includes pink alongside warm tones
What doesn’t
- Germination rate averages lower than premium competitors
- Actual weight may fall slightly short of 4 ounces
Hardware & Specs Guide
Seed count versus weight
Nasturtium seed size varies naturally, so weight is only an approximate indicator of seed count. A 4-ounce bag typically contains 700 to 900 seeds, while a ¼-pound (4-ounce) bag from different suppliers can range from 700 to over 900 depending on seed size. A full 1-pound bag holds approximately 2,500 to 3,000 seeds. Always check the estimated seed count in the product description rather than assuming weight-to-count consistency across brands.
Germination temperature and timing
Nasturtium seeds germinate most reliably at soil temperatures between 65°F and 70°F. At the optimal 68°F mark, sprouts typically appear in 7 to 10 days. Soil temperatures below 55°F will delay or prevent germination entirely. Seeds can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, but nasturtiums strongly prefer direct outdoor sowing because their root systems resent transplanting.
FAQ
Should I soak nasturtium seeds before planting?
How much space do nasturtium plants need between seeds?
Can nasturtium seeds be saved from one season to the next?
Why are my nasturtium plants producing lots of leaves but no flowers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best nasturtium seeds for planting winner is the Outsidepride Jewel Mix 1 lb because it delivers the highest seed volume per dollar with a proven germination track record across diverse climates. If you want a manageable quantity with a germination guarantee and compact mounding habit, grab the Sweet Yards Mixed Colors ¼ lb. And for a curated variety that includes both bush and trailing forms in double-petal blooms, nothing beats the Seed Needs Jewel Blend & Double Gleam set.