The deep, smoky-charcoal bloom of a Black Velvet Nasturtium is unlike anything else in the summer border. It’s not a true black, but a velvety, dusky maroon so dark it absorbs light, creating a dramatic contrast against the bright greens of its lily-pad leaves. This isn’t just another trailing flower; it’s a statement piece for the intentional gardener looking for texture, contrast, and edible beauty.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing seed catalogs, comparing germination trial data, and studying the specific growing conditions that make finicky heirloom varieties thrive in home gardens.
Whether you’re planting a cutting garden or a pollinator patch, finding the right seeds matters. This guide breaks down the top options so you can confidently choose the best black velvet nasturtium for your specific growing space and aesthetic goals.
How To Choose The Best Black Velvet Nasturtium
Not all dark nasturtium seeds deliver the same result. The “Black Velvet” variety is specific, but many seed packs labeled as “mixed” or “dark” will contain only standard orange and yellow blooms. You need to know what to look for to get that signature near-black flower.
Seed Purity vs. Mixed Packs
The most critical decision is whether you buy a dedicated Black Velvet seed packet or a mixed-color pack. Dedicated packets guarantee the specific dark maroon color. A bulk mix, however, often breeds true for color but may contain various shades. If your goal is that consistent, dramatic dark bloom, prioritize a variety that specifically lists “Black Velvet” or “Black Magic” in the name.
Growth Habit: Trailing vs. Compact
Black Velvet nasturtiums typically have a trailing or mounding habit. A true trailing variety can spread up to 60 inches, making it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or spilling over rock walls. Compact varieties stay under 12 inches, better suited for borders or small containers. Check the expected plant height and spread in the specs to match your garden layout.
Seed Freshness and Germination Rate
Nasturtium seeds are notoriously finicky about age. Fresh seeds (from the current or previous season) germinate reliably within 7–14 days. Old seeds lose viability fast. Look for brands that guarantee a 90%+ germination rate and store seeds in moisture-resistant packaging. Bulk bags from reputable suppliers often include harvest year or storage instructions to help you plan.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outsidepride Jewel Mix | Premium Bulk | Large ground cover & trellises | 1 lb bag (bulk) | Amazon |
| Sweet Yards Mixed Colors | Premium Bulk | High volume & seed sharing | 900+ seeds per bag | Amazon |
| Seed Needs Jewel Blend & Double Gleam | Mid-Range Mix | Versatile trailing & container use | Semi-double to double blooms | Amazon |
| Organo Republic Pack | Mid-Range Value | New gardeners & small spaces | 700+ heirloom seeds | Amazon |
| Marde Ross Tom Thumb | Budget Compact | Ground cover & edging | 8-10 inch height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Outsidepride Jewel Mix Nasturtium Seeds
This is the heavy lifter for serious gardeners. The one-pound bag provides an enormous volume of seeds, making it the most economical choice for covering a large area, seeding a long border, or planting multiple trellises. The Jewel Mix produces 2-3 inch blooms in deep red, orange, and yellow, and while it doesn’t isolate the pure Black Velvet color, the dark red shades come close to that velvety look when planted in full sun.
Verified customer reviews consistently mention near-100% germination rates and vigorous growth. The trailing habit reaches up to 60 inches, making this ideal for climbing structures or cascading from containers. The seeds are also fully edible with a peppery flavor, and the plants attract pollinators while deterring deer — a practical plus for vegetable companions.
The main trade-off is the lack of color isolation. If you want every single bloom to be that specific dark maroon, this mix will include some orange and yellow flowers. For most gardeners wanting a dramatic, high-volume display with a dark accent, this is unmatched value.
What works
- Massive 1 lb bag covers over 80 sq ft easily
- High germination rate with rapid blooming
- Edible flowers and leaves add culinary value
What doesn’t
- Mixed colors include orange and yellow, not pure Black Velvet
- Bulk size may be excessive for small gardens
2. Sweet Yards Nasturtium Seeds – Mixed Colors
Sweet Yards offers a quarter-pound bag containing over 900 fresh, open-pollinated seeds. That volume is enough to fill a large garden bed or create seed bombs for guerrilla gardening. The mix produces blooms in shades of orange, red, and yellow — the deepest reds will give you that near-black velvety quality, especially if you select dark-flowering plants for next-season seed saving.
The standout feature here is the “Guaranteed to Grow” policy. Sweet Yards backs their seeds with personal gardening advice and a no-questions-asked refund, which is rare for a bulk seed product. The seeds are Non-GMO and open-pollinated, meaning you can collect seeds from the darkest flowers to develop your own Black Velvet strain over time.
The plants grow to about 2 feet tall with a moderate spreading habit. They perform well in partial sun and adapt to most soil types. The main drawback is the same as with any mixed pack: you won’t get a uniform dark color across all blooms.
What works
- Extremely high seed count per bag (900+)
- Guaranteed to grow with reliable customer support
- Open-pollinated allows for seed saving and selective breeding
What doesn’t
- Color mix varies — not a pure Black Velvet variety
- Bulk bag does not include individual variety labels
3. Seed Needs Jewel Blend & Double Gleam Nasturtiums
Seed Needs offers a unique dual-variety pack that includes both the Jewel Blend (compact, 12-18 inch mounding habit) and the Double Gleam (trailing up to 60 inches). This gives you two distinct growth patterns in one purchase, making it incredibly versatile for different parts of your garden. The Double Gleam variety produces semi-double to double blooms, adding extra petal density that enhances the “velvet” texture of dark flowers.
Each packet features an artful illustration and detailed sowing instructions on the back. The seeds are packaged in tear-resistant, moisture-proof packaging to maintain freshness. The brand emphasizes open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, with most varieties being Non-GMO. The 350-seed count strikes a good balance between having enough for a decent display without being overwhelming for a small urban garden.
The combination of bush and trailing types is perfect for creating layered garden designs — mounding Jewel plants in front, with Double Gleam vines climbing a trellis or tumbling from a hanging basket. Just note that the colors are mixed, so you’ll get reds, oranges, yellows, and golds rather than an isolated dark variety.
What works
- Two distinct growth habits in one pack (bush + trailing)
- Double blooms offer fuller, more textured flowers
- Moisture-resistant packaging preserves seed freshness
What doesn’t
- No pure Black Velvet option — colors are mixed
- 350 seeds less economical than bulk bags for large areas
4. Organo Republic Nasturtium Seeds Pack
Organo Republic targets the beginner to intermediate gardener with a complete package. The 4-ounce bag contains over 700 Non-GMO heirloom seeds, stored in a waterproof, resealable bag that protects against sunlight and moisture. The packaging includes a QR code linking to an online growing guide — a helpful feature for new gardeners who need visual guidance on planting depth, spacing, and care.
The seeds undergo rigorous testing for a 90%+ germination rate and are sealed to stay viable for up to 2 years. The brand sources from trusted US suppliers and packages in a Florida facility. The expected bloom period is listed as year-round in suitable climates, though in most zones it will bloom from spring through fall. The plants reach about 6 inches in height, making them a compact, mounding variety ideal for borders and small containers.
For someone who wants a reliable, straightforward seed pack with educational support, this is a strong choice. The main limitation is the compact growth habit — if you’re looking for long trailing vines for a hanging basket or trellis, this isn’t the variety.
What works
- Compact 6-inch height perfect for edging and small spaces
- QR code growing guide helps beginners succeed
- Waterproof resealable packaging preserves fresh seeds
What doesn’t
- Compact habit does not trail or climb
- Mixed colors — not a dedicated Black Velvet selection
5. Marde Ross Tom Thumb Nasturtium Seeds
Marde Ross & Company has been a licensed California nursery since 1985, and their Tom Thumb variety is a classic. This compact nasturtium grows to only 8-14 inches tall, making it a dense ground cover that fills spaces quickly. The 40+ seed count per packet is smaller, but it’s a focused, reliable choice for gardeners who need a low-growing mat of color rather than tall vines.
The blooms come in yellow, cream, and orange with some variegations. While you won’t find the deep Black Velvet color in this mix, the creamy variegations and warm tones create a soft, vintage look that pairs beautifully with darker flowers. The plants are self-seeding and long-blooming, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies throughout summer.
This is an excellent entry-level option for a budget-friendly ground cover or a small container display. The main limiting factor is the seed count — at only 40+ seeds, you’ll need multiple packets for larger areas. The non-organic, GMO Free labeling is a plus for clean gardening.
What works
- Compact 8-14 inch height ideal for ground cover
- Self-seeding for easy naturalizing year after year
- Long bloom period attracts pollinators
What doesn’t
- Low seed count relative to other options
- Limited color range — no dark or black varieties
Hardware & Specs Guide
Expected Plant Height & Spread
Compact varieties like Tom Thumb and Organo Republic stay under 14 inches, perfect for borders and small containers. Trailing types like Outsidepride Jewel Mix can reach 60 inches of spread, ideal for trellises, fences, and hanging baskets. Always match the growth habit to your available vertical and horizontal space to avoid overcrowding.
Germination & Seed Viability
Nasturtium seeds have a hard outer coat that can delay germination. Soaking seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting speeds up sprouting significantly. Most high-quality seeds guarantee 90%+ germination when fresh. Store unused seeds in a cool, dry place or use moisture-resistant packaging to maintain viability for up to 2 years.
FAQ
Will a mixed nasturtium seed pack produce true Black Velvet flowers?
How do I speed up germination for nasturtium seeds?
Can I save seeds from my Black Velvet nasturtiums for next year?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best black velvet nasturtium option is the Outsidepride Jewel Mix because it offers the highest volume of seeds per purchase, proven germination rates from verified buyers, and a vigorous trailing habit perfect for dramatic displays. If you want a dedicated dark-flowering strain and are willing to curate seeds over time, grab the Sweet Yards Mixed Colors for its open-pollinated guarantee and seed-saving potential. And for compact borders or beginner-friendly growing, nothing beats the Organo Republic Pack with its QR-linked growing guide.