Alaska- is a striking variety known for its vibrant flowers and unique variegated foliage. The leaves are marbled with white, creating a beautiful contrast with the bright blooms that range in color from orange to red to yellow.

Dwarf Alaska- is a compact variety ideal for small gardens and containers. It features the same attractive variegated foliage as the standard Alaska Nasturtium but in a smaller, more manageable size. The bright flowers come in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Dwarf Jewel- is a compact, bushy variety that produces an abundance of brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The leaves are solid green, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid blooms.

Nasturtium

$4.00

Quantity

Seeds will be started January through April

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Water: Moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings

Spacing: Space plants 10-12 inches apart

Maintenance: Low maintenance; deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming
Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest with its variegated leaves and vibrant flowers

Edibility: Both flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads and garnishes

Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Pest Control: Nasturtiums can act as a trap crop, attracting pests like aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies away from other plants. This can help protect more vulnerable crops.

Soil Health: Nasturtiums are known for their ability to improve soil health. They can grow in poor soils and help prevent erosion, and their dense foliage provides ground cover that suppresses weeds.

Easy to Grow: Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.
Nasturtiums are entirely edible, with both the leaves and flowers offering a distinct, peppery flavor. Here’s a bit more detail about their edibility:

Leaves: The leaves have a slightly spicy, watercress-like flavor and are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.

Flowers: The brightly colored flowers are not only visually appealing but also add a peppery kick to dishes. They are used to decorate salads, desserts, and appetizers.

Seeds: Nasturtium seeds can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants for various vegetables and flowers due to their pest-repellent properties and ability to attract beneficial insects. Here’s a detailed look at how to use them in companion planting:

Companion Planting Benefits:

Pest Control:

Trap Crop: Nasturtiums attract pests like aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars, drawing them away from more valuable crops.

Repellent: Their peppery scent can deter pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and others.

Attracting Beneficial Insects:

Nasturtiums attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help increase the yield of nearby crops.

They also attract predatory insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that feed on pests.

Best Companion Plants for Nasturtiums:

Vegetables:

Tomatoes: Nasturtiums can help deter whiteflies and aphids, common pests of tomatoes.

Cucumbers: They repel cucumber beetles and act as a trap crop for aphids.

Beans: Both bush and pole beans benefit from the presence of nasturtiums, which can repel beetles.

Cabbage Family (Brassicas): Nasturtiums repel cabbage moths and aphids, protecting broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage.

Squash and Pumpkins: They can repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles, protecting your squash plants.

Flowers:

Marigolds: Pairing marigolds with nasturtiums can enhance pest control in your garden due to the complementary pest-repelling properties of both plants.

Petunias: Like nasturtiums, petunias attract beneficial insects and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

Planting Tips:

Interplanting: Plant nasturtiums among your vegetables to create a natural barrier against pests. Their sprawling habit makes them good ground cover, reducing weeds and protecting the soil.

Border Planting: Plant nasturtiums along the borders of your garden beds to create a pest-repelling barrier around your crops.

Container Gardening: Nasturtiums grow well in containers and can be placed strategically around your garden to enhance pest control.

Considerations:

Growth Habit: Nasturtiums can spread and may compete for space. Ensure they do not overwhelm smaller or less vigorous plants.

Soil and Water Needs: Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering. Ensure their companions have similar requirements.

Nasturtium

Care

Benefits

Did you know?

Companion Planting