Nasturtiums are the rare flower that pulls double duty: they carpet your garden in vivid warm tones while also delivering a peppery, edible punch to your plate. But not all mixes are created equal — many bulk packets contain old seed stock, low germination rates, or a dull color palette that misses the mark entirely. Choosing the right seed mix means reading between the lines of packet weight, seed count, and variety composition.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing seed lots by germination data, evaluating supplier sourcing practices, and cross-referencing thousands of customer reports to isolate the seed mixes that actually perform in real garden beds.
This guide cuts through the marketing to rank the five most reliable seed options on the market, from bulk ground-cover solutions to curated culinary collections. If you’re searching for the best alaska mix nasturtium, these are the packets worth your soil and your season.
How To Choose The Best Alaska Mix Nasturtium Seeds
Nasturtiums are among the most forgiving annuals, but the seed mix you start with determines whether you get a thick ground cover of variegated foliage or a sparse patch of plain green leaves. Focus on three factors before you click buy.
Seed Count Vs. Packet Weight
A 4-ounce packet sounds generous, but nasturtium seeds are large — roughly 180 to 200 seeds per ounce depending on the cultivar. A mix that claims “700+ seeds” in a 4-ounce bag is packing a dense lot, while a 1-pound bag offers serious coverage for large borders. Always cross-reference the seed count with the listed weight to gauge true density.
Foliage Variegation and Color Range
True Alaska Mix nasturtiums are distinguished by their creamy-white marbled foliage, which provides visual interest even before blooms appear. Standard “Jewel Mix” or “Tip Top Mix” seeds produce solid green leaves. If the variegated leaf look is your priority, verify that the packet explicitly states “Alaska” in the variety name — generic “nasturtium mix” packets often omit this trait.
Growth Habit: Compact Mounds Vs. Trailing Vines
Some nasturtium mixes are bred for compact, bushy growth (ideal for beds and edging), while others feature long, trailing vines that can reach 60 inches (perfect for hanging baskets or trellises). The same packet can contain both habits if it’s a true multi-variety mix. Check the expected plant height on the label: 12-inch mounds suit borders, while 48- to 60-inch vines need vertical support.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Seed Alaska Nasturtium | Alaska Mix | True variegated foliage & edible blooms | 250 seeds, Alaska-series foliage | Amazon |
| Seedphony 24 Variety Culinary Pack | Culinary Kit | Multi-flower culinary garden | 24 varieties, 7,790+ seeds | Amazon |
| Outsidepride Jewel Mix | Jewel Mix | Large-area ground cover & borders | 1 lb bag, compact mounds to 60″ vines | Amazon |
| Sweet Yards Tip Top Mix | Tip Top Mix | High-germination bulk planting | 4 oz, 800+ seeds, gift packaging | Amazon |
| Nasturtium Seeds Pack 4 oz | Budget Bulk | Budget-friendly starter volume | 4 oz, 700+ non-GMO seeds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Park Seed Alaska Nasturtium Seeds
This is the only seed packet in the lineup that explicitly carries the Alaska-series genetics — meaning you get the signature creamy-white marbled foliage that makes this mix a standout in any border or container. Park Seed is a decades-old brand with rigorous seed-testing protocols, so the 250-seat count delivers consistently high germination rates in USDA Zones 3-10. The blooms lean heavily toward orange, red, and yellow, creating a fiery contrast against the pale leaves.
For gardeners who value the ornamental aspect of nasturtiums as much as the edible flowers, this is the definitive pick. The compact mound habit (roughly 12-14 inches tall) makes it ideal for edging pathways or filling the front of a bed without sprawling into neighboring plants. The seeds are untreated and non-GMO, which matters if you plan to use the flowers and leaves in salads.
One trade-off: at 250 seeds, the packet covers roughly 50-60 square feet at recommended spacing. If you’re covering a large slope or a full-sun patch that needs dense ground cover, you may need two packets. But for precision planting where variegated foliage is the goal, no other product in this list matches the Alaska-specific genetics.
What works
- True Alaska-series variegated foliage
- High germination rate from a trusted seed house
- Compact habit perfect for borders and containers
What doesn’t
- Only 250 seeds — less volume per dollar than bulk bags
- Limited to orange, red, and yellow bloom colors
2. Seedphony 24 Gourmet Culinary Flower Seeds Variety Pack
This is not a pure nasturtium mix — it’s a full culinary flower kit that includes nasturtium as one of 24 edible flower varieties, alongside borage, calendula, chamomile, chives, lavender, and more. The value proposition is clear: over 7,790 seeds, individual packets for each variety, and a bonus set of mini gardening tools (leaf clipper, seed dibber, tweezers, weeding fork, widger) plus a QR-code growing guide and e-book. For the home cook who wants a dedicated edible-flower patch, this is an all-in-one solution.
The nasturtium seeds inside are a standard mix, not specifically Alaska-series, so expect solid green leaves with bright blooms. Germination is advertised at 90%+, and the seeds are non-GMO heirloom stock sealed for freshness. The individual packets also make it easy to stagger planting — you can start nasturtiums in one container and calendula in another without cross-contamination.
The downside is that you’re paying for 23 other flower varieties, so the nasturtium seed count within the pack is relatively small (likely 100-150 seeds). If your sole goal is a massive nasturtium ground cover, this kit isn’t the most efficient route. But if you want a curated edible-flower garden with minimal hassle, the tool inclusion and variety breadth justify the cost.
What works
- 24 culinary flower varieties in one purchase
- Includes growing tools and digital guide
- Non-GMO heirloom seeds with high germination claim
What doesn’t
- Nasturtium quantity is minor compared to bulk packets
- No Alaska-series variegated foliage available
3. Outsidepride Jewel Mix Nasturtium Seeds
At one full pound, this is the heaviest nasturtium seed bag in the comparison — and it’s a Jewel Mix, meaning the blooms are 2-3 inch flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow with round, solid-green foliage. Outsidepride rates this for USDA Zones 3-10 with a germination window of 7-10 days at 68°F, and the mix contains both compact mounds (12 inches) and trailing vines that reach up to 60 inches. That dual habit makes it versatile: sow it along a fence for vertical coverage, or let it spill over a retaining wall.
The sheer volume makes this the logical choice for anyone covering a large area — think 80+ square feet of dense planting. The seeds are heirloom and non-GMO, and Outsidepride provides a detailed pH range (6.1-7.8) and spacing guide (8-12 inches) on the packet. The peppery scent also acts as a natural deer deterrent, which is a bonus for rural gardens.
Because this is a Jewel Mix rather than an Alaska Mix, you won’t get the variegated foliage. The leaf color is standard green. Also, the 1-pound bag is bulk-packed without individual variety separation — if you want to isolate compact vs. trailing plants, you’ll need to thin seedlings after germination. For pure ground-cover firepower, though, this bag delivers the most square footage per dollar.
What works
- Massive 1 lb bag covers large borders easily
- Dual growth habit (mound + vine) increases design flexibility
- Heirloom, non-GMO seed stock
What doesn’t
- Solid green leaves — no variegated Alaska foliage
- Mixed habits require post-germination thinning for precise placement
4. Sweet Yards Tip Top Mix Nasturtium Seeds
Sweet Yards packages this Tip Top Mix in a 4-ounce resealable pouch with a reusable zipper and full planting instructions printed on the label — a thoughtful touch if you’re gifting seeds or storing them for next season. The mix contains over 800 seeds, covering roughly 80 square feet, and the brand backs it with a 30-day germination guarantee: if the seeds don’t sprout, they’ll refund you no questions asked.
The Tip Top Mix produces warm-toned blooms (orange, yellow, red) with rounded leaves and a trailing growth habit. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, and the peppery-scented petals attract pollinators while deterring common pests. Sweet Yards emphasizes that these are the freshest seeds in their lineup, and the resealable packaging helps maintain viability for leftover seeds.
The main drawback: this is a standard Tip Top Mix, not an Alaska-series, so foliage is solid green. The 4-ounce size is also smaller than the 1-pound Outsidepride bag, so if you’re seeding a very large area, you’ll need multiple packets. However, for a moderately sized garden bed or as a gift for a gardening friend, the combined packaging quality and germination guarantee make it a solid mid-range pick.
What works
- Premium resealable packaging with instructions
- 30-day germination guarantee reduces risk
- Trailing habit ideal for hanging baskets and containers
What doesn’t
- Solid green leaves only
- Smaller total volume than bulk competitors
5. Nasturtium Seeds Pack 4 oz
This 4-ounce bulk bag offers over 700 non-GMO heirloom nasturtium seeds at a price point that undercuts most competitors by a noticeable margin. The seeds come in a single resealable packet with basic labeling, making it a no-frills option for gardeners who just want volume without paying for branded packaging or bonus tools. The absence of a specific mix name (Alaska, Jewel, Tip Top) means the bloom and foliage traits are a general heirloom mix — expect solid green leaves and a range of warm flower colors.
At 700+ seeds, the per-seed cost is the lowest of any product reviewed here. That makes it an excellent choice for mass planting in large beds, community gardens, or educational settings where you need a lot of plants on a tight budget. The seeds are stored in a standard ziplock-style pouch, and basic storage instructions are included on the label.
The trade-offs are transparency and consistency. Without a branded mix name, you have no guarantee of variegated foliage, specific growth habit, or precise bloom color ratios. Germination rates are not independently certified, and there is no germination guarantee attached to this packet. If you’re okay with a “you get what you sow” approach and need cheap volume, this bag works. For gardeners who want predictable Alaska-series foliage or premium germination assurances, the Park Seed or Sweet Yards options are safer bets.
What works
- Lowest per-seed cost in the lineup
- Decent 700+ seed count for large areas
- Non-GMO heirloom stock
What doesn’t
- No specific variety name — foliage and habit are unknown
- No germination guarantee or brand-backed quality claims
Hardware & Specs Guide
Variegated Vs. Solid Foliage
Alaska Mix nasturtiums are defined by their marbled cream-and-green leaves, which provide visual interest before flowers appear. Standard mixes (Jewel, Tip Top) produce solid green foliage. If variegation is your priority, confirm the variety name on the packet — generic “nasturtium mix” listings rarely include Alaska genetics.
Seed Density & Coverage Area
A 1-ounce packet of nasturtium seeds contains roughly 180-200 large seeds. Sowing at 8-12 inch spacing, one ounce covers about 15-20 square feet. A 4-ounce packet covers 60-80 square feet, while a 1-pound bag can handle 240-320 square feet. Match your packet size to your planned bed area to avoid over- or under-buying.
FAQ
What makes Alaska Mix nasturtiums different from regular nasturtium seeds?
Can I grow Alaska Mix nasturtiums in containers and hanging baskets?
Are Alaska Mix nasturtium flowers and leaves edible?
How many Alaska Mix seeds do I need for a 4×4 foot garden bed?
Why won’t my Alaska Mix nasturtium seeds germinate?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best alaska mix nasturtium winner is the Park Seed Alaska Nasturtium Seeds because it’s the only product in this list that delivers the true Alaska-series variegated foliage with a proven germination track record from a reputable seed house. If you want a full edible-flower garden with minimal planning, grab the Seedphony 24 Variety Culinary Pack. And for covering a large border or slope on a budget, nothing beats the raw volume of the Outsidepride Jewel Mix 1 lb bag.