Nasturtiums, to the Victorians, indicated a jest.
Nasturtium means “a twist of the nose.” They taste peppery, like watercress.
Nasturtium plants are greedy for sunlight, and throw out dozens of round, shieldlike leaves. Beneath these shady parasols, wrinkled blossoms of scarlet and gold unfurl. Nasturtiums dangle like vines and can’t seem to make up their minds whether they are flowers or food.
