Ornamental Flower
Alaska Variegated Nasturtium is a compact, brilliantly variegated flower that brings bold color and striking foliage to garden beds and containers. Growing just 10 to 12 inches tall, this cultivar of Tropaeolum majus produces deeply mottled leaves that command attention even before the flowers open. Its manageable size and preference for full sun to partial shade make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking ornamental impact without sprawl.
Partial Sun
Moderate
9-11
12in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Alaska Variegated Nasturtium apart is its spectacular variegated foliage, which creates a jewel-box effect in the garden long before blooms emerge. The compact growth habit stays perfectly proportioned without needing aggressive pruning, making it ideal for containers, borders, and smaller garden spaces. Starting from seed is straightforward when you respect the plant's preference for cool germination temperatures and direct sowing, which suits its sensitive root system far better than indoor transplanting.
Alaska Variegated Nasturtium is grown primarily as an ornamental flower for its striking foliage and blooms. The compact stature and variegated leaf pattern make it well-suited to container gardening, window boxes, and small garden beds where visual impact matters more than abundant sprawl. Its ornamental appeal works particularly well in mixed flower arrangements and color-coordinated plantings.
Starting Alaska Variegated Nasturtium indoors is not recommended. If you choose to do so, sow seeds 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date in biodegradable pots, as the roots are highly sensitive to transplant disturbance. Even when started indoors, plan to pot them in materials that can be planted directly into the ground to minimize root disruption.
Transplant outdoors after your average last frost date has passed. When planting seedlings started indoors, set them out in their biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the sensitive roots further.
Direct sowing is the recommended method for Alaska Variegated Nasturtium. Sow seeds 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date directly into the garden soil. In mild climates, you can also sow in fall for winter bloom. Space seeds 8 to 12 inches apart to account for mature size.
Alaska Variegated Nasturtium's compact growth habit rarely demands pruning, but you can pinch back stem tips early in the growing season to encourage a bushier, more densely foliated plant. Deadheading spent flowers will extend the blooming period and keep the plant looking tidy throughout the season.
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