When to plant nasturtium in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow May 27 · First harvest Jul 16 · Wrap by Sep 13

Last spring frostMay 20

Direct sowMay 27

First harvestJul 16

Last harvestSep 13

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 frost-free days. Nasturtium is frost-sensitive, so the 1w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does nasturtium take to grow in zone 4a?

Nasturtium matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around May 27 and first picking around Jul 16.

Will nasturtium survive frost in zone 4a?

No — nasturtium is frost-sensitive. In zone 4a, wait until after the last frost (around May 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full nasturtium growing guide →