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When to Plant Nasturtium in Hawaii

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a fast-growing annual with distinctive round, lily-pad leaves and bold trumpet-shaped blooms in warm oranges, reds, and yellows. Both the flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery watercress flavor. Planted near vegetables, nasturtiums act as a sacrifice trap-crop, luring aphids away from more valuable plants. They thrive in poor, dry soil — rich conditions produce lush foliage but few flowers.

Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 11a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Nasturtium planting dates based on your local frost dates.

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Nasturtium Planting Calendar for Hawaii

Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 20
Direct Sow November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 27
Bloom January 1 Jan 1 – Aug 27

Growing Tips for Hawaii

Direct-sow large seeds 1/2 inch deep after last frost; soak seeds overnight to speed germination (7-10 days). Nasturtiums dislike root disturbance so direct sowing is strongly preferred. Avoid fertilizing — poor soil brings the best bloom. Trailing types can cover banks and climb trellises; dwarf types suit containers. In hot climates (zones 9+) plant in fall for winter/spring bloom as plants struggle in peak summer heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Nasturtium in Hawaii?

Planting dates for Nasturtium in Hawaii depend on your USDA zone. Hawaii spans zones 11a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Hawaii for planting?

Hawaii contains USDA hardiness zones 11a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.