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Nasturtium Tom Thumb Alaska - Tropaeolum majus Alaska Series Tom Thumb mixed

Type: Annual

Traditionally grown as a flowering annual for summer bedding, garden Nasturtium, or Tropaeolum majus is, in fact, a culinary herb known as Indian cress.

In appearance, Nasturtium is a trailing annual with circular leaves held on thin cylindrical stems. The Alaska variety has green and cream marbled leaves, and grows in amore bushy manner. An excellent ground cover, Nasturtium produces a plethora of vibrantly coloured flowers which have a slight scent. These flowers can be orange, cream, yellow, red or mahogany, and can even have blotches on the petals. The flowers are followed by tiny green, round seed pods.

Nasturtium will thrive in most soils and sun, although prefers poorer soil, as rich soil will promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Some gardens may even see Nasturtium self seeding. Often used in companion planting, Nasturtium will deter cucumber beetle and white fly, but is susceptible to aphid.

The entire plant above ground can be eaten, with the leaves giving a peppery flavour to salads and the flowers make a colourful addition to salads, cold dishes, and vinegars.