When to plant Nasturtium in Apache County, AZ
Apache County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Nasturtium May 20–June 10 for the single annual harvest; the October 10 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Apache County, AZ
Your July game plan for Apache County, Arizona
Your Apache County, Arizona garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Harvest nasturtium as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of August
- 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.
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Nasturtium will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Nasturtium successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Apache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.7
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 Apache County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.7) overlaps with Nasturtium's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Apache County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Nasturtium will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Nasturtium.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Nasturtium Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.8" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache 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 — Apache County, AZ
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Bloom | July 15 | Jul 15 – Nov 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Apache County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Apache County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after May 20 in Apache County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Apache County dries quickly — mulch Nasturtium with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Apache County receives only 9" of rain annually. Nasturtium needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Nasturtium in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium in Apache County, AZ?
Apache County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Apache County, AZ?
In Apache County, AZ, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Apache County, AZ for Nasturtium?
Apache County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Apache County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Apache County's temperate climate. Apache County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around October 10.
Your Apache County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Apache County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.