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Tropaeolum minus ‘Tip Top Alaska Red’ (Nasturtium)

Nasturtium 'Tip Top Alaska Red', Dwarf Nasturtium 'Tip Top Alaska Red'

Nasturtium 'Tip Top Alaska Red', Tropaeolum 'Tip Top Alaska Red', Dwarf Nasturtium 'Tip Top Alaska Red', Red Nasturtium, Variegated Nasturtium

Tropaeolum minus ‘Tip Top Alaska Red’ (Nasturtium) is a compact, bushy annual or short-lived perennial forming a small mound of rounded, parasol-like, variegated leaves. Blooming from winter through spring in mild winter areas and from summer to fall in colder climates, it boasts a profusion of long-stalked, funnel-shaped, bright cherry-red flowers. The blossoms float above the foliage and make a fantastic contrast to the soft green foliage mottled with creamy white. This petite Nasturtium is ideal for containers and small space gardens.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in poor, well-drained soils. Some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer areas. Rich, fertile soils are not recommended as they yield more foliage but reduce flowering. Drought-tolerant once established.
  • Nasturtium is perennial in hardiness zones 9-11 and grown as an annual plant elsewhere. It relishes cooler temperatures (in the 70sºF or 20sºC) and often sulks in extremely dry or humid conditions.
  • Nasturtium is versatile and can be used in beds and borders, rock gardens, edgings, as a ground cover, or in mass plantings.
  • It adds a touch of old-fashioned charm in herb gardens, cottage gardens, or patio containers.
  • Nasturtium is also an excellent choice to mix with spring-flowering bulbs since it can effectively hide the unattractive bulb foliage that may be allowed to mature.
  • Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are drawn to the flowers, making Nasturtium a valuable addition to the vegetable garden.
  • Nasturtium is a good companion plant for beans, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, kale, melon, pumpkin, and radish.
  • Nasturtium can also be used as a trap crop, trapping pests such as aphids and giving a more appealing and delicious meal than nearby vegetable crops.
  • Nasturtiums rank among the most common edible flowers. The delicate blossoms have a sweet, peppery taste similar to watercress. Leaves and unripe seed pods add a citrusy and peppery flavor to salads. Flower buds contain mustard oil and may be used for seasonings. The flowers add eye-catching beauty to the plate and can be used to garnish salads, platters, and savory dishes.
  • Few insects or diseases bother Nasturtiums. Watch for blackflies (black aphids), caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs, and glasshouse whiteflies. Deer resistant.
  • Deadhead to prolong flowering.
  • Propagate by seed. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date.
  • Avoid fertilization, which tends to increase foliage and decrease flowering.
  • Nasturtium will self-seed, keeping a presence in the garden.
  • Tropaeolum minus is native to Central and South America.
  • Nasturtium is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Nasturtium: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Learn how to plant, grow and care for Nasturtium and add a bright pop of color all summer long.

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Tropaeolaceae
Genus Tropaeolum
Common names Nasturtium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' (30cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Tropaeolum minus ‘Ladybird Gold’ (Nasturtium)
Tropaeolum majus ‘Salmon Baby’ (Nasturtium)
Tropaeolum minus ‘Ladybird Rose’ (Nasturtium)
Tropaeolum majus ‘Orange Troika’ (Nasturtium)
Tropaeolum minus ‘Ladybird Cream Purple Spot’ (Nasturtium)
Tropaeolum majus ‘Empress of India’ (Nasturtium)

Recommended Companion Plants

Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Tagetes (Marigold)
Cosmos Flowers
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Nasturtium: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Edible Flowers: 30 Beautiful Blooms to Grow for Garden and Table
Best Annual Flowers For Your Vegetable Garden
Wonderful Plants That Repel Insects
Tropaeolum (Nasturtium)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Tropaeolaceae
Genus Tropaeolum
Common names Nasturtium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' (30cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens, Walls And Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tropaeolum (Nasturtium)
Not sure which Tropaeolum (Nasturtium) to pick?
Compare Now

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