The Alaska Mix nasturtium stands out among flower varieties for its remarkable combination of ornamental foliage and vibrant blooms. This versatile plant brings both color and texture to gardens, making it a favorite choice for gardeners seeking visual interest throughout the entire growing season.
Understanding the Alaska Mix Variety
Alaska Mix is celebrated for its distinctive cream and green variegated foliage that creates a marbled, almost jeweled appearance. The round leaves feature consistent patterning that remains vibrant from spring through fall, providing continuous ornamental value. When flowers arrive, they complement the striking foliage beautifully, appearing in warm tones of red, orange, yellow, and bi-color combinations.
The compact, bushy growth habit makes Alaska Mix ideal for gardeners with limited space. Plants remain manageable in size while producing abundant single-petaled flowers throughout the growing season. The combination of variegated leaves and warm-toned blooms creates a sophisticated, layered appearance that elevates any garden design.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Alaska Mix nasturtiums thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. These plants prefer moderate fertility and are quite drought-tolerant once established. The variegated foliage displays its most vibrant coloring in full sun locations, though plants tolerate partial shade gracefully.
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date, planting them about one inch deep. Space seeds appropriately to allow room for the compact growth habit. Water regularly during the establishment phase, then reduce watering frequency as plants mature. These plants require minimal fertilization and actually produce more abundant flowers when not over-fed.
Container and Border Uses
Alaska Mix is exceptionally versatile in garden design. Use it as edging along borders and pathways, where the variegated foliage creates a striking frame for other plantings. The compact form makes it perfect for containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets, where the ornamental leaves and colorful flowers create a complete display.
In mixed borders, Alaska Mix works beautifully alongside complementary plants, adding texture and visual interest. The variegated foliage provides a cool contrast to warm-colored flowers, while the nasturtium blooms add pops of color. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming and maintains plant vigor throughout the season.
Culinary and Ornamental Value
Beyond their garden beauty, Alaska Mix nasturtiums offer practical benefits. The edible flowers add vibrant color and peppery flavor to salads, while the variegated leaves provide unique texture to culinary presentations. The plant’s natural pest-deterrent properties make it a valuable companion in vegetable gardens, helping protect other plants while adding ornamental appeal to the landscape.
In Summary
This variety includes a mix of gold, salmon, orange, and deep red/purple colored flowers.
Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers.
Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more>
Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a “summer show”. Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come!
These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought.
The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers.
