Alaska Mix Nasturtium Plant

• Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
• Mature Height 10 - 12 Inches
• Mature Spread 8 - 10 Inches
• Growing Zones 9 - 10

Nasturtiums are the perfect mix of beauty and function. Not only are these vigorous growers that will fill a pot or spot in the garden quickly, but they also taste good! Alaska MIxed Nasturtium is the showiest of all the varieties and is a traditional part of any kitchen or edible garden. The lightly variegated, lily pad-like leaves and colorful mix of flowers have a peppery flavor that is excellent fresh on salads. The seeds are known as poor man’s Capers and are collected green to pickle. Nasturtiums have a semi-trailing habit that makes them great candidates for hanging baskets or as a component of a mixed seasonal planter. Nasturtiums are also the perfect cover-up plant for any areas of faded spring bulbs or faded perennials in late summer. Alaska Mix is an annual, but it thrives in the cooler temperatures of spring and early fall.

Nasturtiums are versatile and will grow well in most types of soil and light positions. Poor, well-drained soil produces the most flowers, while rich or fertilized soil promotes foliage production. Tropaeolum majus is slightly drought tolerant after it has matured and begun flowering. Watering well the first 3-4 weeks after planting will help the plant form a strong root system. Pollinators and other beneficial insects are attracted to Nasturtiums. 

Alaska Mix Nasturtium Care

Plant these annuals as soon as the threat of frost is over for your region. They will grow well in temperatures above 45 degrees F. Extra fertilizing is rarely needed for Nasturtiums. Excess nitrogen leads to over development of foliage and weak, spindly stem growth that is susceptible to pest damage. Planting Nasturtiums in full sun is the only coaxing it needs to bloom. Regular deadheading through the growing season will help Alaska Mix Nasturtium to produce flowers instead of seeds. Water the plants weekly if you live in an area that is dry in the summer. Provide approximately 0.5 to 1 inch of water per week, although well-mulched soil will hold moisture for longer and require less watering.  All-purpose potting soil with added perlite will support growth for Nasturtiums all summer. Proper drainage in whatever container you use is crucial.

Nasturtiums are native to Peru and other parts of South America. The genus comprises around 80 species of both perennial and annual plants. Alaska Mix Nasturtium behaves like a  true annual in that the length of daylight triggers it to set seed before it dies in one season. USDA zones 9-11 may have an easier time getting Nasturtiums to grow as a perennial, but it will self-seed heavily. Collecting the seeds for growing the following year is easy and one of the best ways to propagate Nasturtium.

Alaska Mix Nasturtium Spacing

Alaska Mix has more of a mounded shape than trailing habit and has a mature height and width of 12 inches. Planting several Nasturtiums together will help shade weeds in kitchen garden beds or along a garden bed edge. Space each plant 6 inches apart on center to allow enough air circulation between plants. Nasturtiums in containers can be placed much tighter together. A 10-inch hanging basket is big enough to plant 3 of these plants in a triangle.

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