Spring/summer/fall bloomFrost tender
Sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). Nasturtiums need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press soil firmly over the seeds and keep moist. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 10 inches apart as mounding plants need ample room.
Sow 2 seeds each in individual 4 inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover 1 inch deep. Provide a strong light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves pinch out the weaker seedling, leaving 1 per pot. When night temperatures reach 50ºF (10ºC), gradually acclimate to outdoors. Transplant seedlings into the garden 10 inches apart in full sun.
These old-fashioned nasturtiums with handsome variegated leaves are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Alaska’s softly mounding foliage and bright flowers will quickly fill garden beds and make a showy accent in planters or patio pots. Thinned to proper 10 inch spacing, they are a perfect disguise to cover fading bulb foliage in late spring.
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