SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Alaska Mix

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Alaska Mix to a garden.

A peppery burst of color—tender nasturtium blooms in a lively Alaska Mix—arrive with a bright, jewel-like charm and a zingy, garden-fresh bite.

Expect succulent, rounded leaves and crisp, juicy stems that lend a pleasantly crunchy texture, while the flowers bring a vivid mix of warm tones for garnishing and flavor-forward salads. Grow for quick, 30-day gratification and a continuous show of edible blossoms that brighten every plate with their distinctive tang.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 30 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Alaska Mix

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Alaska Mix Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Direct Sow Jun 15th Jul 15th – Jul 15th
Zone 1b Direct Sow Jun 1st Jul 1st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a Direct Sow May 25th Jun 24th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Direct Sow May 15th Jun 14th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Direct Sow May 15th Jun 14th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Direct Sow May 19th Jun 18th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Direct Sow May 15th Jun 14th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Direct Sow May 13th Jun 12th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Direct Sow May 8th Jun 7th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Direct Sow May 4th Jun 3rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Direct Sow May 1st May 31st – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Direct Sow Apr 25th May 25th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Direct Sow Apr 20th May 20th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Direct Sow Apr 10th May 10th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Direct Sow Apr 1st May 1st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Direct Sow Mar 23rd Apr 22nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Direct Sow Mar 6th Apr 5th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Direct Sow Feb 9th Mar 11th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Oct 31st – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity30
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

This nasturtium mix is the rare edible flower that brings actual attitude—peppery, juicy, and crunchy—so it holds up on the plate instead of wilting into perfume. Use the blooms and stems late, so the tang stays vivid and the heat stays clean.

Best Uses

  • toss into mixed greens right before serving for a snappy, peppery lift
  • use as an edible-flower garnish on tacos, roasted chicken, and grilled fish
  • fold chopped leaves and tender stems into quick herb vinaigrettes
  • finish soups and grain bowls with flowers for a fresh, zingy pop

Flavor Profile

peppery, watercress-like bite succulent crunch from juicy stems and leaves bright, citrusy tang from warm-toned blooms gentle heat that stays crisp rather than bitter

Kitchen Pairings

lemon aged goat cheese honey white wine vinegar chilled cucumber (avoid per preference only if you choose not to use it) butter (brown or cultured)

Frequently Asked Questions


What pest or disease commonly affects Tropaeolum majus (Alaska Mix), and how can I control it?
A frequent issue on nasturtiums is aphids, which cluster on tender new growth and can stunt plants. Spray affected stems with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap, repeating every 5–7 days until new growth is clear. Keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line and improving airflow, because damp leaves encourage leaf spot fungi.
How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during its main growing phase?
Water regularly to establish plants, keeping the top 1 inch of soil lightly moist, then shift to watering only when the top inch begins to dry. During the rapid growth phase, this usually means about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, less if it’s rainy. Avoid consistently wet soil—nasturtiums decline in soggy ground and produce fewer flowers.
How can I tell when Tropaeolum majus (Alaska Mix) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when blooms are open and the flowers are crisp, typically about 30 days from sowing for plants grown from seed. For leaves, pick young, tender foliage early in the season for best flavor and texture. If you’re harvesting seeds, wait until the seed pods turn firm and green-to-brown before cutting and drying.