Alaska
A compact, variegated nasturtium with cream-mottled foliage and bright flowers. Good for edging and containers.
When to plant Nasturtiums in the UK
Tropaeolum majus
A fast-growing half-hardy annual with bright edible flowers and round leaves. In the UK it’s easy from seed, flowers well in poor soil, and suits beds, edging, hanging baskets, or larger containers.
30 cm · Full Sun · Low Water
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
early April to mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact datesSow seeds around early April to mid-April in modules or direct where they are to flower. Cover with of compost and keep the compost just moist while seedlings emerge.
02
Thin Or Prick Out
mid-April to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings have a couple of true leaves, from mid-April to mid-May, thin direct-sown seedlings or prick out module-sown plants into individual cells. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them moving steadily so they do not become leggy.
03
Harden Off
early May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom early May to late May, move plants outside for longer each day before planting them out. Protect them from cold nights and strong wind, and keep them in a sheltered spot at first.
04
Plant Out
mid-May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact datesOnce the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed, plant out your hardened-off seedlings around mid-May to late May. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight after planting, and give them a sunny spot with free-draining soil.
05
Deadheading and Maintenance
mid-June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom mid-June to late October, remove fading flowers regularly so the plant keeps producing new blooms instead of setting seed. Water only in dry spells, because rich soil and heavy feeding usually mean more leaves and fewer flowers.
06
Harvest Flowers And Leaves
mid-June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePick flowers and young leaves from mid-June until late October. Harvest in the morning for the best flavour, and take only a few leaves from each plant so it keeps flowering well.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Nasturtium.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Nasturtium to consider
Empress of India
A dwarf, deep red-flowered type with neat growth. Useful for smaller beds and pots.
Jewel Mix
A mixed dwarf strain that flowers freely from summer into autumn. Handy for quick colour in beds and containers.
Whirlybird Mix
A semi-trailing mix with double flowers and a tidy habit. Suits baskets, tubs, and spilling over raised edges.
