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Variety Info
Family: Tropaeolaceae
Native: South America
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive, tender perennial usually grown as an annual; perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Late spring to frost
Plant Dimensions: 10"–12" tall
Variety Info: 2"–2½"ruby-black blooms.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible Flower, Rabbit Resistant, Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for winter bloom. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 55°–65°F.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Roots sensitive to transplant disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the ground.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: ½"–1"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 8" – 12"
Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 8" – 12"
Your hardiness zone is
- LVerified ReviewerRated 1 out of 5 stars8/5/25Color not as described
Purchased these 'Black Velvet' nasturtium seeds at an Agway location in Connecticut in early spring of this year (all stores have since closed, as company went out of business). The seeds germinated readily, however it is disappointing that the flower color is not at all as described.
Which best describes you as a gardener? ExpertBIBotanical Interests8/13/25Hey there
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. A flower might not bloom in the color you were expecting for several natural reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
Soil conditions can play a role; certain flowers, like hydrangeas, change color based on soil pH and mineral content. Weather and temperature fluctuations, such as heatwaves or cold snaps, can impact pigment development and lead to muted or altered flower colors.
Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team with any questions. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️ - EstrellitaRated 5 out of 5 stars5/5/255 Stars
I ordered it because i love it, but nothing has germinated yet. Nevertheless it is too soon to rate. But the packaging and the care in shipping was top notch. I love this company.
- L H.Rated 5 out of 5 stars4/8/255 Stars
a nice variation to mix in with other nasturtiums. i was able to pop them in the ground (zone 10) without issue. the goth in me would like the red to be a bit darker, but they are gorgeous. looking forward to next year’s volunteers!
- TIFFANY E.Rated 5 out of 5 stars3/4/255 Stars
Thanks to Lorin’s advice last year, my nasturtiums are surviving and providing the color that I was hoping for this year! Thank you EG and Lorin ;-)
BIBotanical Interests3/4/25Hey Tiffany, We're so glad Lorin's advice was helpful. I'll share this with her. She'll be so pleased to know it all worked out so well! Your nasturtiums are gorgeous! Keep on growing 🌻️
- TIFFANY E.Rated 5 out of 5 stars3/4/255 Stars
Last year was my first full season as a home gardener and I wanted these black velvet nasturtiums. They grew but did not color at all. Lorin from EG took the time to educate me as to how to grow them better and I took her advice this year. Her advice worked! I wanted to provide follow up photos. It’s just the beginning of the process, but it’s working. Thank you Lorin and EG. ;-)