They are most definitely worth it!

Direct sowing these are preferred. They are not frost tolerant! Make sure you collect seeds before frost!!!

Definitely worth it! They don't like heat-heat, so they'll probably sulk in the dog-days of summer, but before that, they're GORGEOUS!

Here's "Creamsicle" from July 17 last year. This one is a 10" well-behaved mounding type with flowers ABOVE the foliage. Check the packet specs to find the kind you like- there are vining ones and ones where the flowers are hidden amongst the foliage...

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This is a far-away shot of "Cherries Jubilee" on July 28 of 07...another mounding type (right there in front row). Again, they sulked in mid-summer heat, and only a couple survived to end out the season:

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If you veggie garden, they are supposedly good to keep squash bugs away, which I plan on using them for this year.

And apparently you can pickle the buds and they taste just like capers!

The flowers are edible.. it's pretty.. vining.

Go for it!

Thanks for the comments. The pictures are great.

The packet of seeds I have say they are Empress Of India and that the plant is compact.

Are they quick to germinate? We have some cold weather ahead so I'm wondering if I ought to wait another week or so.

nah...go for it. Plant them out early; they don't like being transplanted.

mmqchdygg: Gorgeous! I was looking for some pics and couldn't find any good ones. Awesome garden!!

Sometimes mine are beautiful, other years not so great. Last year the black aphids ate them to death. I'm partial to the trailing, viney ones. This was a few years ago.
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Karen

The packet of seeds that I have states that they keep rabbits away!

Tina, how early do you direct seed them here in Northern New England?

This is my first year growing them....I tried 2 different methods, both Winter Sown. I did transplant some I sowed in a container and they are growing very, very well. No signs of pouting from being transplanted. Another batch I sowed right in the hanging basket they will grow in and they are doing equally as well. I am really looking forward to there after seeing all the pretty blooms from pics on here.

I direct sowed my seeds today. They are forcasting well below normal temps by wednesday. I figure they won't sprout by then so they will be fine. I'm looking forward to them too after seeing the pictures.

Hi - I used to post her a long time ago but some life things got in the way of posting AND ws'ing (say it isn't so!). We're back on the chain gang this year and we've already planted out several flats of nasturtiums w/no worries. They are HUGE. Add to that, I like you, found a pack of orange striped ones w/variegated foliage which we direct sowed a few weeks back. They're already up and running (we soaked the seed overnight). Good luck....they are fav's and this year, I'm pickling that seed! Happy sowing.

Awesome shot Karen!!! Now I know (grin) where to direct sow my nasturtiums!!! :)

Hi Blake-
I don't direct-sow them at all. I WS them, and get them out when they are only about an inch tall. Works like a charm.
I just did another WS batch this weekend, as a matter of fact.