Dwarf Nasturtium – Alaska Gold (Tropaeolum nanum) 70 Seeds Per Pack

Grow Alaska Gold Dwarf Nasturtium from fresh Tropaeolum nanum flower seeds. Alaska Gold is a dwarf variety of Nasturtium that will grow to a short height of only 8 to 14 inches tall. The blooms are very pretty and consist of a golden yellow almost orange color. Alaska Gold Nasturtium will produce their fair share of flowers all summer long, but they are Annual plants however, so they will bloom up until the first frost and wither soon after. Even so, they are among one of the most popular flowers for the garden.

All parts of the Nasturtium plant are in fact edible, from the leaves, flowers and even the seeds. Most people grow Nasturtium plants for their beautiful flowers which can be used in salads to add color. The leaves can also be used in many ways as they have a peppery taste to them.

“Alaska Gold” Dwarf Nasturtium can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. If started indoors, It’s recommended to start in peat pots as they do not directly transplant well. Peat Pots will allow the plants to be transplanted directly into the ground without disturbing the roots. Since the seeds are hard shelled, they can be soaked overnight in warm water or nicked to improve germination rates. Start by sowing the seeds about 1/2 inch under topsoil. Water daily so that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred. Provide a source of light and warmth for the majority of the day as well. 

If started directly outdoors, make sure all danger of frost has passed. Start by clearing your sowing area of all undesired plant life and weeds. Having soaked your seeds overnight, or nicked the seeds prior, sow at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Water daily with a fair amount of water and provide an area of full sunlight. Once established, your Nasturtium plants will reach a mature height a few weeks later and display their beautiful blooms all summer long.

Alaska Gold makes an excellent flower for the garden, and is great when mixed with other varieties as well. For a subtle combination, try mixing Alaska Gold Nasturtium flowers with other varieties, such as “Moonlight” or “Vesuvius” which are white and salmon colored varieties.

Quick Facts

• Type: Flower
• Color: Yellow / Gold
• Height: 8″ to 14″ Tall
• Width: 12″ Spread
• Season: Annual
• Zones: 3 to 10
• Environment: Full Sun

Sowing The Seed

Nasturtium seeds have a tough outer shell, which can be scarified to improve germination. Nick the seeds with a knife, or sandpaper and soak them in warm water overnight. Once this has been done, you can sow the seeds either indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow the seeds in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last forst. Peat pots will help prevent root shock when transplanted. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.

Growing Conditions

Nasturtium will thrive in areas of full sunlight, with temperatures of at least 65F or higher. They require poor soils, which will promote more blooms. The sowing medium should be well drained as well. To increase your drainage, we recommend that you add a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily until germination has successfully occurred.

Germination & Growth

Nasturtium seeds typically take anywhere between 7 and 10 days to germinate. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 16 inches tall and can spread 12 inches wide. The plants can be spaced about 12 inches apart from one another. The 2 to 3 inch, golden colored blooms will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies & hummingbirds as well.