How to Grow Nasturtium Alaska Mixed
Nasturtium Alaska Mixed
Tropaeolum majus 'Alaska Mixed'
flowerAlaska Mixed is a compact, bushy nasturtium variety featuring attractive variegated foliage with creamy-white and green marbled leaves. The plants produce vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This dwarf cultivar is prized for ornamental garden beds, containers, and edible flower arrangements.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; prefers cooler to moderate climates
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
7-10 days germination; 2-3 weeks to sturdy seedling stageSeeds sprout quickly with cotyledons emerging; variegated foliage appears as true leaves develop. Plants remain compact at this stage.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Handle carefully as seedlings are delicate.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksBushy plants develop multiple stems with distinctive variegated leaves. Foliage reaches mature size and density.
Water moderately; allow some drying between waterings to encourage bushiness. Avoid over-fertilizing, which promotes leafy growth over blooms. Pinch tips if needed to encourage branching. No supplemental feeding necessary in average soil.
Bud Formation & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear in leaf axils; first flowers open in red, orange, or yellow. Plants begin producing abundant blooms.
Continue moderate watering. Apply light diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if desired, but avoid high nitrogen. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Monitor for pests.
Peak Flowering & Bloom
4-8 weeks (extends with deadheading)Plants are covered with flowers in vibrant mixed colors. Variegated foliage provides attractive contrast. Continuous blooming occurs if deadheaded.
Maintain consistent moderate watering. Continue deadheading for prolonged flowering. In hot climates (above 85°F), flowers may slow; provide afternoon shade and extra water. Watch for aphids.
Maturity & Late Season
Until frost (variable by region)Plants continue blooming but may slow in extreme heat. Seeds develop if flowers are left unpollinated. Plants decline in frost.
Reduce deadheading if seed collection is desired. Allow some flowers to mature for seed saving. Plants are frost-tender; expect decline or death at first frost (32°F/0°C).
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Increase humidity by misting; use neem oil or miticide spray. Ensure adequate water.
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Hand-pick larger caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for severe infestations.
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Hand-pick; use beer traps or copper barriers. Remove debris where they hide.
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Garnish
CulinaryNasturtium flowers and leaves have a distinctive spicy, peppery flavor similar to watercress, making them excellent for salads, soups, and garnishes. Both blooms and leaves contain glucosinolates, the compounds that give them their peppery taste and mild antimicrobial properties. [source]
Antimicrobial & Respiratory Support
MedicinalHistorically used in herbal medicine to support respiratory health and boost immunity. The plant contains natural sulfur compounds and vitamin C that support immune function. Traditional uses include treating coughs and minor infections. [source]
Natural Pest Management
HouseholdNasturtiums are classic companion plants that attract aphids away from vegetables (acting as a trap crop) and repel certain pests with their strong scent. Planting near vegetables helps protect them from damage. [source]
Decorative & Edible Arrangements
CraftThe vibrant variegated foliage and colorful flowers make Alaska Mixed excellent for fresh floral arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and as decorative garden borders. Flowers dry well for craft projects. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeNasturtiums attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that pollinate gardens and control pests. The nectar-rich flowers are a valuable food source for pollinators throughout the season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers are edible with a peppery flavor; harvest young buds and blooms in the morning when petals are firm. Cut or pinch individual flowers as needed. Leaves are also edible and harvestable throughout the season. For seed saving, allow mature seed pods to dry on the plant, then collect before frost. Seeds are large, easy to handle, and remain viable 4-5 years if stored cool and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alaska Mixed nasturtiums are named for their distinctive variegated foliage, which resembles patterns found in arctic ice and snow—the creamy-white and green marbling is unusual among nasturtiums and makes this variety instantly recognizable.
- 🌱 Nasturtium seeds are pickled and fermented in vinegar as a 'poor man's capers' substitute, offering a similar briny, peppery flavor at a fraction of the cost; home gardeners can easily preserve their own seeds this way.
- 🌱 The flowers contain a natural compound called methyl isothiocyanate, the same peppery volatile found in horseradish and wasabi, which explains their culinary pungency and may contribute to their traditional use as a natural food preservative.
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