Tropaeolum 'Alaska'
nasturtium
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: poor, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to September
- Flower colour: red, yellow, orange and cream
- Hardiness: tender
Masses of funnel-shaped, red, yellow, orange and cream flowers appear with the conspicuously splotched cream and green leaves. These colourful plants are perfect for the front of a sunny border or for filling a large pot on the patio. One of the easiest annuals to grow, they put on a long display throughout summer and autumn. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible and have a sweet, peppery flavour, and the when planted in the kitchen garden they will help repel whitefly while attracting blackflies away from the crops. - Garden care:Soak the seeds overnight and then sow an early crop under glass in good seed compost, covering lightly. Maintain the temperature between 13-16°C and water when necessary. When large enough to handle, pot on or acclimatise slowly and plant outside after all risk of frost has passed. Alternatively sow directly outside in mid to late spring. These plants flower best in poor soil, so take care not to over-fertilise. Dead-heading regularly will also encourage an even better display.
- Sow: March-June
- Flowering: June-September
- Approximate quantity: 40 seeds.
Approx 50 seeds
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
approx 100 seeds
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
approx 100 seeds
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
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Fast-maturing annuals, such as calendula, candytuft, clarkia, cosmos, godetia and nasturtium, can still be sown now for a succession of colour throughout the summer months. If you live in a mild area, make three or four sowings spaced two weeks...
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Fast-maturing annuals, such as calendula, candytuft, clarkia, cosmos, godetia and nasturtium, can still be sown now for colour in late summer if you live in a mild area. Either sow direct outside into a prepared seedbed in straight rows to...
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