When to plant nasturtium in zone 5a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Sow May 17 · First harvest Jul 6 · Wrap by Sep 24

Last spring frostMay 10

Direct sowMay 17

First harvestJul 6

Last harvestSep 24

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 5a?

Nasturtium matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around May 17 and first picking around Jul 6.

Will nasturtium survive frost in zone 5a?

No — nasturtium is frost-sensitive. In zone 5a, wait until after the last frost (around May 10) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

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