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Alaska Nasturtium is a stunning compact annual flower that stops gardeners in their tracks with its variegated green-and-white foliage and a riot of edible flowers in yellow, cherry, salmon, and crimson. Bred to thrive in 50 to 59 days from seed, it reaches just 12 to 18 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for bedding, containers, and smaller garden spaces. These vigorous performers handle partial shade gracefully and grow best in zones 9 through 11, though they're frost-tender and should only go in the ground after the last frost date has safely passed.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
12in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The variegated foliage alone sets Alaska Nasturtium apart from standard varieties, creating a luminous backdrop for those brilliant red, yellow, orange, and salmon flowers. Every bloom is edible, and the plant produces them prolifically without demanding rich soil or heavy feeding. Gardeners often report that these seeds germinate quickly and grow with such enthusiasm that even novices succeed, making them a standout choice for anyone wanting instant garden color without fussing.
Alaska Nasturtium shines as a bedding plant, where its compact habit and long flowering season create solid waves of color from early summer through frost. The edible flowers are harvested fully open and bring peppery notes and visual drama to salads, while the tender leaves can be picked anytime for a fresh, peppery green. The variegated foliage and prolific blooms also make it a favorite for children's gardens and cut-flower arrangements, where its cheerful colors and natural elegance need no fussing.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow 2 seeds in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed-starting mix about 3 weeks before your last expected frost date. Cover seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep; darkness aids germination, so cover them well. Provide a strong light source once seedlings emerge. When the seedlings develop several sets of leaves, thin to one plant per pot by pinching out the weaker seedling. Acclimate seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions once nighttime temperatures reliably reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Direct sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep where you want plants to grow, after soil temperatures reach 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and all frost danger has passed. Seeds typically sprout in 7 to 14 days. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart once they develop their first true leaves.
Harvest edible flowers when they are fully open, pinching or cutting them from the plant. Edible leaves can be picked at any time, offering a fresh peppery addition to salads and garnishes. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season.
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“The Alaska Nasturtium carries the legacy of open-pollinated garden plants preserved and shared by seed savers across generations. Its development reflects centuries of selective breeding within Tropaeolum majus, the common garden nasturtium, with the Alaska strain specifically selected for compact growth and variegated foliage that distinguishes it from taller, solid-leaved relatives. Some sources classify it as an heirloom, underscoring how this variety has been passed down through gardening communities and maintained by seed companies committed to preserving non-GMO genetics.”