Nasturtium Alaska Mixed – 5 Seeds

Nasturtium Alaska Mixed (Tropaeolum nanum) are easily grown annuals that add a touch of color to the flower garden or patio container. Nasturtium Alaska Mix is a dwarf Nasturtium with variegated leaves and a mix of gold, orange, red and yellow flowers

Nasturtiums were one of the first New World plants to become popular in European flower gardens. However, they weren’t introduced as a flower but as a vegetable. The Incas used it as a salad crop and medicinal herb. The leaves can be prepared in a strong decoction to be used as insecticide.

It is a great garden companion-sacrificial plant, protecting the neighboring plants from pests. It is particular great to grow next to plants from Cucurbitacea family, such as pumpkins, melons, cucumber, as well as plants from the Brassicacea family – cabbages, broccoli, radishes, etc.

Nasturtium is a fast-growing annual that today is usually offered in its compact, non-vining form, but its true character is that of a weak-climbing vine or sprawler. It has semi-succulent, peppery tasting leaves that are round with the petiole attached in the center of the leaf blade.

In addition to the usual orange, red and yellow flowers, Nasturtium Alaska Mixed has variegated foliage. The leaves are marked with irregular patches of white and cream and are attractive even when not in flower.

All parts of the plant are edible. The flowers make a colorful addition to a leafy salad.

Medicinal Uses:  Nasturtium is mostly known as an expectorant and disinfectant. Its antibacterial, anti-fungicide and antibiotic properties make it an amazing plant to help relieve infections, both internally as externally, as in disinfecting wounds and cuts. Its high content of vitamin C together with other phytonutrients make it a good herb to treat scurvy.
Nasturtium clears out mucous conditions, which combined with its antibiotic properties allows it to be effectively used to treat bronchitis, respiratory infections and to relieve chest conditions in general.
It is also acclaimed for its healing work in ailments of the urinary tract and as depurative.

How to grow Nasturtiums from seed:

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• Nasturtiums do not transplant well, therefore indoor sowing is not recommended.
• They grow best in full sun or light shade in average soil.
• They can be direct sown in the garden.
• Soak seeds in water overnight.
• Then sow the seeds 8-15 cm apart and 1cm deep, in well-draining, moist soil.
• Keep soil moist until germination.
• Plants grow best in full sun or light shade in average soil.
• They combine well with other plants in mixed containers.
• Heavy feeding and too much water increases foliage growth at the expense of flowers.