When to plant nasturtium in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Sow May 7 · First harvest Jun 26 · Wrap by Sep 18

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowMay 7

First harvestJun 26

Last harvestSep 18

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 6a?

Nasturtium matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around May 7 and first picking around Jun 26.

Will nasturtium survive frost in zone 6a?

No — nasturtium is frost-sensitive. In zone 6a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 30) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

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