When to plant Nasturtium in Morgan County County,
Aim to plant Nasturtium in Morgan County County on or after March 20; the window stays open through April 10. Morgan County County's 224-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Morgan County, AL
Your June gardening checklist
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for nasturtium
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: nasturtium
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.
Morgan County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 386 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Nasturtium, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Nasturtium root diseases.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Nasturtium Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Morgan County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Nasturtium's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Nasturtium — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
Nasturtium Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Nasturtium
Nasturtium needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Nasturtium Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Morgan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Nasturtium Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Morgan County, AL
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Bloom | May 15 | May 15 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Morgan County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after March 27 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Morgan County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Nasturtium. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Nasturtium in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium in Morgan County, AL?
Morgan County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, AL?
Morgan County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Morgan County County, ?
In Morgan County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morgan County County, for Nasturtium?
Morgan County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Morgan County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Morgan County County's temperate climate. Morgan County County averages a 224-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 6.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.