Nasturtium Planting Guide
Edible flowering annual with peppery leaves and blooms in warm sunset colors; great trap crop
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.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| 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 to Year-round | Varies |
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.
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
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.