Description
We’re not exactly sure how this variety got its name, and we’re afraid to ask. What do these brilliant, coral-colored blooms have to do with one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes? The only thing we can think of is that Vesuvius nasturtium explodes in color, perhaps mimicking the hue of an apocalyptic sunset.
(OK, now we’re getting pretty dark, which doesn’t do this cheerful plant justice. We’re seed sellers, not Steven King wannabes. Let’s lighten things up a notch.)
Like most nasturtiums, Vesuvius is a vigorous sprawler, with vines reaching six feet in length. You can train them to climb up trellises, cascade over walls, or simply sneak into every corner of your garden—all without being invasive or difficult to manage. An annual that flourishes in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10, it dies back with the first hard frost. As long as it has full sun, Vesuvius is an easy keeper that rewards you with more than showy flowers and foliage; every part of the plant is edible and suitable as a garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages.
Vesuvius blooms are two to three inches in diameter, with colors that range from orangish-pink to deep salmon. The circular leaves are visually interesting on their own, with light veins radiating out from their centers against a bright matte green background. Even though they’re best grown in bright, full sun, there’s something about nasturtium that makes you think of cool sheltering shade… something that would have come in handy back in 79 A.D., amirite?