SCOTTISH FLAME FLOWER Nasturtium tropaeolum speciosum

Tropaeolum speciosum (common names flame flower and flame nasturtium) is known locally as coralito, quintralito, or voqui.

It is a hardy herbaceous/tuberous perennial with a wiry stem that grows up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall. It climbs through or over other plants to a sunlit position where it flowers profusely. The leaves are lobed with five to seven leaflets. The scarlet, funnel-shaped flowers are spurred and grow on long stalks. After the flowers fade, the red calyces persist, curling back to reveal the three blue berries.

The flame flower does particularly well in Scotland and has been called the "Scottish flame flower" and the "glory of the Highlands". It will grow in full sun or partial sun but likes a cool moist root run and is suited to acid or neutral soils. The plant is hardy down to a temperature of about −12 °C (10 °F).

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Type: Perennial

Hardiness zones: 8-10

Height: 3m, 10 feet

Location: Sun

Seed size: Seeds are medium-large, like a small pea.

Seeds per pack: 3

Note: These seeds and plants may contain poisonous parts. Please keep in a safe place, and handle with care.

Germination: Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds on the surface of your growing medium, and water in so that seeds just barely under the soil surface. Keep the container in a cool room, just slightly below room temperature, for 4 weeks, and then bring them to room temperature. Your seedlings should appear within 4-10 weeks after bringing them to warmth. It is very important to keep the soil moist during the germination period. The seeds can take some time to germinate, though they are well worth the wait!