When to plant Nasturtium in Teller County, CO
Teller County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Nasturtium May 18–June 8 for the single annual harvest; the October 6 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Teller County, CO
Top priorities for Teller County, Colorado gardeners in July
July is a pivotal month for Teller County, Colorado gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting nasturtium
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 6,538 feet, Teller County receives approximately 19.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Nasturtium to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Nasturtium successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Teller County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
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 Teller County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.1) overlaps with Nasturtium's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teller County is excellent for Nasturtium — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Teller 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 — Teller County, CO
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Bloom | July 13 | Jul 13 – Oct 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Teller County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Teller County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after May 11 in Teller County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Teller County receives only 20" 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
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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 Teller County, CO?
Teller County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Teller County, CO?
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Teller County, CO?
In Teller County, CO, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Teller County, CO for Nasturtium?
Teller County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Teller County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Teller County's temperate climate. Teller County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.
Your Teller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Teller County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.