Mashua 'Ken Aslet'

'Ken Aslet' is a refined selection of the edible tuberous climbing nasturtium, named after a former Superintendent of the RHS Rock Garden at Wisley. Unlike the wild species which often flowers very late, this cultivar begins blooming in mid-summer. It produces a profusion of long-spurred, trumpet-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of orange and red, set against attractive blue-green, lobed foliage. It is a vigorous climber, capable of reaching 2-3 metres if provided with support such as a trellis or obelisk. The tubers are edible and have a peppery taste, similar to radishes when raw. In the UK, it performs best in a cool, moist root zone with its flowering stems in the sun. While the tubers can survive mild winters in the south if planted deeply, it is generally safer to lift them after the first frost and store them like dahlias.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.