Description
Nasturtium Alaska (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtium Alaska is a vibrant edible flower loved for its striking variegated foliage and cheerful blooms in shades of orange, red, and yellow.
In the Garden
Fast, easy-to-grow, and rewarding, Nasturtium Alaska thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is perfect for garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and children’s gardens.
Its colourful flowers brighten the garden while the attractive foliage adds extra interest throughout the season.
In the Kitchen
Both the flowers and leaves are edible, with a peppery, mustard-like flavour that adds zest to salads, sandwiches, and savoury dishes.
Cultivation
In South Africa, Nasturtiums are grown as summer annuals and perform well throughout the country with regular watering. They flower best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.
Hardy to moderate frost, they are evergreen and self-seeding in frost-free regions, often flowering for most of the year.
Nasturtiums grow well in most soils but prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid over-fertilising, as this encourages leafy growth instead of flowers.
Sow seeds directly into the garden or seed trays in spring once frost danger has passed and soil temperatures reach 18–21°C. Seeds germinate quickly within 2–5 days, with flowering starting around 8–9 weeks after sowing.
