When to Plant and Harvest Nasturtium
Edible flowering annual with peppery leaves and blooms in warm sunset colors; great trap crop
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). Not the same as watercress (Nasturtium officinale), which ASPCA lists as toxic. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Nasturtium
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Nasturtium in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 85F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 55F to 85F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 0.5-1 inch per week; thrives in lean, dry soil with infrequent watering
- Days to harvest: 50
Fertilization
- Avoid fertilizers organic: Fertilizing causes lush growth and few flowers; rely on compost-rich soil only
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Brassicas
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Flowers and leaves are edible at any size
- Harvest before aphid populations build up
- Seeds can be pickled as a caper substitute
- Blooms most prolifically in cool weather
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Nasturtium?
Nasturtium planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Nasturtium?
The best time of year to plant Nasturtium is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 55F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Nasturtium?
Plant Nasturtium in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 85F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Nasturtium?
Plant Nasturtium about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Nasturtium?
Nasturtium is commonly paired with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Brassicas.
How long does Nasturtium take to grow?
Nasturtium is typically ready to harvest in about 50 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Nasturtium?
Harvest Nasturtium when flowers and leaves are edible at any size. Harvest before aphid populations build up Seeds can be pickled as a caper substitute