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Nasturtium Alaska Mix

Tropaeolum majus 'Alaska Mix'

This stunning variety combines the classic peppery-flavored edible flowers of nasturtiums with uniquely variegated cream and green foliage that's as ornamental as the blooms. The compact, bushy plants produce abundant flowers in jewel tones while serving as a living mulch and natural pest deterrent.

Harvest

50-65d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-10 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Nasturtium Alaska Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Nasturtium Alaska Mix · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilPoor to average, well-drained soil

pH6.1-7.8

WaterLow to moderate, drought tolerant

SeasonCool season annual

FlavorPeppery, watercress-like flavor

ColorMix of red, orange, yellow, and cream

Size2 inches across

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: #hummingbird friendly#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#edible flowers#fall interest#summer flowers#deer resistant#spring interest#edible seeds#pollinator plant#edible garden#edible stems#dry soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#edible#annual#early childhood#child#children#preschool#early care#easy edibles#hortcontest. Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: tro-pay-OH-lum MAY-jus. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer

Edibility: All parts, with exception of the roots, are edible. It has a spicy flavor.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh nasturtium flowers and leaves are highly perishable – use within 24 hours for best quality. Store unwashed flowers in slightly damp paper towels inside plastic bags in the refrigerator, where they'll keep 2-3 days maximum. Wash gently just before use.

For preservation, pickle young seed pods in white wine vinegar with salt and spices – they develop a caper-like flavor perfect for garnishing dishes. Flowers can be frozen in ice cubes for cocktail garnishes or dried at low temperatures (95°F) in a dehydrator, though they lose much of their vibrant color.

Nasturtium vinegar captures the peppery essence beautifully: pack fresh leaves and flowers in glass jars, cover with white wine vinegar, and steep for 2-3 weeks. Strain and use as a gourmet salad dressing base. The leaves also freeze reasonably well when blanched quickly and stored in freezer bags for winter soups and pestos.

History & Origin

Origin: Central and South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Insect Pests, Poor Soil
+Attracts: Twining
+Wildlife value: Butterflies are attracted to this plant.
+Edible: All parts, with exception of the roots, are edible. It has a spicy flavor.
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Nasturtiums trap aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting tomato plants

Cucumbers

Repels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and striped pumpkin beetles

Radishes

Nasturtiums improve radish flavor and repel flea beetles

Cabbage

Acts as trap crop for aphids and repels cabbage worms and flea beetles

Beans

Repels aphids and Mexican bean beetles while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Squash

Deters squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids from squash plants

Marigolds

Both repel similar pests and attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects

Broccoli

Repels aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms that commonly attack brassicas

Keep Apart

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds inhibit nasturtium germination and growth

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to nasturtiums and causes wilting

Cauliflower

May compete for nutrients and space, reducing flowering of nasturtiums

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease resistant, may get bacterial leaf spot in humid conditions

Common Pests

Aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms

Diseases

Bacterial leaf spot, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Nasturtium Alaska Mix take to grow?▼

Alaska Mix nasturtiums begin flowering 50-65 days from seed sowing and continue producing blooms until hard frost. You can start harvesting young leaves earlier, around 30-40 days, while seed pods are ready for pickling about 70-80 days from sowing when pods are plump and green.

Can you grow Nasturtium Alaska Mix in containers?▼

Yes, Alaska Mix is excellent for containers due to its compact 8-12 inch height and bushy growth habit. Use containers at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes, and avoid rich potting mixes – standard potting soil mixed with sand or perlite works perfectly. Container plants may need more frequent watering but require no fertilization.

What does Nasturtium Alaska Mix taste like?▼

Both flowers and leaves have a distinctive peppery, watercress-like flavor with a slight mustard bite. Flowers are milder than leaves, making them perfect for garnishing, while young leaves add spicy kick to salads. The pickled seed pods develop a caper-like taste that's tangy and mildly spicy.

Is Nasturtium Alaska Mix good for beginners?▼

Absolutely – Alaska Mix is rated as 'easy' difficulty and thrives with minimal care. The biggest mistake beginners make is overwatering or using rich soil. Plant in average soil, water only when dry, skip fertilizer entirely, and you'll have abundant blooms and edible harvests all season long.

When should I plant Nasturtium Alaska Mix seeds?▼

Direct sow seeds 2-4 weeks before your last frost date when soil temperature reaches 55°F. In northern zones (3-6), this typically means mid to late April. Southern gardeners can plant in early fall for winter blooms, as Alaska Mix tolerates temperatures down to 25°F.

Do Nasturtium Alaska Mix plants really repel pests?▼

Yes, nasturtiums act as both trap crops and repellent plants. They attract aphids and cucumber beetles away from vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, while their peppery compounds deter some pests. However, you'll need to monitor the nasturtiums themselves for aphid infestations and treat as needed to maintain this beneficial effect.