Troubleshooting
Nasturtium 'Empress of India' problems — and how to fix them
Nasturtium 'Empress of India' (Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
All leaves, no flowers
Soil too rich or over-fertilised drives lush foliage. Grow in poor soil and withhold feed to push flowering.
Blackfly (aphids)
Black aphids swarm stems and leaf undersides. Hose off, squash, or use as a sacrificial trap crop away from prized plants.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Chew large holes in the leaves, as nasturtium is a brassica-family relative magnet. Pick off caterpillars or net plants you want to keep clean.
Frost damage
Tender to frost and collapses at the first hard freeze. Sow only after the danger of frost has passed.
Prevent nasturtium 'empress of india' problems before they start
Most nasturtium 'empress of india' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common nasturtium problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Nasturtium 'Empress of India' watering schedule
- Nasturtium 'Empress of India' light requirements
- Best soil mix for nasturtium 'empress of india'
- Nasturtium 'Empress of India' temperature & humidity
- Full nasturtium 'empress of india' care guide
Looking for nasturtium 'empress of india' in general rather than its problems? Read the full nasturtium 'empress of india' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Nasturtium 'Empress of India' problems — FAQ
Why is my nasturtium 'empress of india' all leaves, no flowers?
Soil too rich or over-fertilised drives lush foliage. Grow in poor soil and withhold feed to push flowering.
Why is my nasturtium 'empress of india' blackfly (aphids)?
Black aphids swarm stems and leaf undersides. Hose off, squash, or use as a sacrificial trap crop away from prized plants.
Why is my nasturtium 'empress of india' cabbage white caterpillars?
Chew large holes in the leaves, as nasturtium is a brassica-family relative magnet. Pick off caterpillars or net plants you want to keep clean.
Why is my nasturtium 'empress of india' frost damage?
Tender to frost and collapses at the first hard freeze. Sow only after the danger of frost has passed.