Empress of India (Tropaeolum nanum). A bushy nasturtium with single red blooms. An old fashioned flower that is strikingly beautiful and easy to grow. Use in beds, borders, pots, or as a ground cover. The flowers and leaves are edible and have a peppery taste. Direct seed after the ground has warmed up in the spring. If the soil is too rich, the plants will not produce many flowers. They do especially well in hot dry areas with sandy soil and plenty of sunshine.