How to Grow Nasturtium Alaska

Nasturtium Alaska

Tropaeolum majus 'Alaska'

flower

Nasturtium Alaska is a dwarf, compact cultivar of garden nasturtium prized for its variegated foliage with cream and green marbled leaves. It produces vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow throughout the growing season. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor, making it popular for ornamental and culinary gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight for best blooming

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Water: Water regularly but moderately; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering in cool weather to prevent fungal issues.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 35-50 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.5-0.75 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost for organic matter Perlite or sand for drainage if soil is heavy Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11; treated as annual in colder climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

10-14 days

Cotyledons emerge with distinctive large, rounded seed leaves. True leaves with mottled variegation appear within 7-10 days.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.

Vegetative Growth

14-21 days

Plant develops bushy, compact growth habit with increasingly prominent variegated foliage of cream and green. Leaves are round and shield-shaped.

Monitor for aphids which are attracted to tender new growth. Pinch tips if plant becomes too leggy. Minimal fertilizing needed.

Flowering

30-60+ days

Vibrant flowers emerge from leaf axils in red, orange, and yellow hues. Flowers have five petals and are trumpet-like with spurred backs.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide consistent moisture during flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers.

Seed Development

20-30 days

Flowers fade and develop into distinctive three-lobed seed pods. Pods mature from green to brown and eventually dry out.

Allow pods to mature if collecting seeds for next season. Remove dried pods promptly to prevent excessive self-seeding.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Marigold Zinnia Basil Cabbage Broccoli Calendula Borage Radish

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (in large quantities) Potatoes Fennel

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; neem oil as last resort
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; reflective mulch; insecticidal soap spray
Increase humidity with water spray; neem oil; miticide if severe
Row covers for young plants; hand-pick; neem oil; kaolin clay spray
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur spray; remove infected foliage

Uses

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Peppery Edible Flowers & Leaves

Culinary

Both flowers and leaves have a peppery, mustard-like flavor and are edible when fresh. Use flowers as garnishes in salads, on soups, or as cake decorations; incorporate young leaves into salads for peppery accent. [source]

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Pickled Seed Pods

Culinary

Immature seed pods can be pickled as a caper substitute, offering a tangy, peppery addition to dishes. Harvest pods when still green and tender. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Nasturtium has been used traditionally to support respiratory health and boost immunity, rich in vitamin C and sulfur compounds with antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Pest Management & Companion Planting

Household

Nasturtium acts as a trap crop for aphids and other pests, protecting nearby vegetables by attracting pest insects away from them. Often planted near brassicas and other vegetable crops. [source]

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Ornamental Garden Appeal

Craft

The striking variegated foliage and bright flowers make Nasturtium Alaska an attractive edible ornamental for flower beds, containers, and garden borders from spring through frost. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest flowers and young leaves throughout the growing season once plant is established (4+ weeks). Pick flowers in morning when petals are fully open. Use leaves anytime but pick young, tender leaves for best flavor. Both are best used fresh. Seeds can be harvested when pods turn brown and dry; store in cool, dry place.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Alaska' variety's variegated foliage is actually caused by a virus that is stable and non-harmful, creating the distinctive cream and green marbled leaf pattern.
🌱 Nasturtium leaves contain a compound called glucosinolate, the same compound found in mustard and horseradish that gives them their peppery bite.
🌱 Nasturtiums are native to South America but were brought to Europe in the 16th century and named 'nasturtium' from the Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' referring to how people react to the peppery flavor.

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