Alaska Variegated Nasturtium is a beautiful & unique heirloom variety known for its striking, marbled green and cream leaves, which provide a lovely backdrop to its vibrant blooms. This nasturtium produces 2-3 inch flowers in warm shades of orange, yellow, red, and cream, creating a stunning contrast against the variegated foliage. Perfect for adding color and interest to garden beds, borders, and containers, this variety is also highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Not just a pretty plant, Variegated Alaska Nasturtium offers edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor similar to watercress, making them a great addition to salads, garnishes, and culinary dishes. The compact, bushy growth habit makes this variety suitable for both ground cover and container gardening. Like other nasturtiums, it’s a great companion plant in vegetable gardens, helping to deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs.
* DIRECTIONS *
Common Names: Variegated Alaska Nasturtium
Latin Name: Tropaeolum majus
Type: Flowering Vine
Life Cycle: Annual in most climates; tender perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer
USDA Zones: 2 - 11 (grown as an annual in most zones)
Stratification: Not required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Average garden soil with loose, light texture
Height: 10-14 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Color: Mixed colors in shades of orange, yellow, red, and cream
Bloom Season: Late spring to frost
Companion Plants: Useful companion for radishes, beans, and cucumbers. Acts as a trap crop for aphids.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Climate Adaptability: Adaptable to a range of climates; frost-sensitive
~ Sowing ~
When to Start Outside: 1-2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is 55°F or warmer.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; direct sowing is preferable.
Pre-Sowing Treatment: For best results, soak seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat and encourage faster germination.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Light and Temperature: Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
~ Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors ~
Timing: Direct sowing is recommended, but if starting indoors, transplant after the risk of frost has passed.
Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Spacing: Space plants 10-12 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
Transplanting: Gently transplant seedlings into the prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is covered and the plant is stable. Water well after planting.
~ Growing ~
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Nasturtiums prefer drier conditions once established but may need additional water during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing as this encourages foliage growth over flowers.
Pest and Disease Management: Nasturtiums are generally pest-resistant but can attract aphids. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Maintenance: Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. Plants will spread and fill in large spaces, but because they lack tendrils, they should be guided if grown vertically.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest: Harvest flowers, leaves, and seeds as needed throughout the growing season.
How to Harvest: Pinch off flowers and leaves as needed, taking care not to damage the plant. Harvest seeds when they are mature and firm.
Edible Uses: Both the flowers and leaves are edible and add a peppery flavor to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Seeds can be pickled as a substitute for capers.
Drying and Storing: Nasturtium seeds can be dried and stored for future planting or culinary use.
~ Seed Saving ~
Allow the seeds to mature on the plant before harvesting. Once dry, store the seeds in a cool, dry place for future planting.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators: Nasturtium flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Origin: Native to South America, particularly the Andes region.
Nomenclature: The common name "nasturtium" comes from the Latin words for "nose-twister," reflecting the plant’s peppery flavor.
History: Nasturtiums have a long history of being used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, with the entire plant, including flowers, leaves, and seeds, being edible.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic and safe for consumption by humans and pets.
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in warm climates and can be grown as a tender perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer.
