When to plant Nasturtium in Collier County County,
Plant Nasturtium in Collier County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually November 24. Continue planting through December 15 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Collier County, FL
This month in Collier County, Florida
Each item below is timed to Collier County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Harvest nasturtium as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 93 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Nasturtium root diseases.
Collier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Collier County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Nasturtium prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Collier 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 (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Nasturtium Water Budget
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 | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Collier 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 — Collier County, FL
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 15 | Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | November 24 | Nov 24 – Dec 8 |
| Direct Sow | November 24 | Nov 24 – Dec 15 |
| Bloom | January 19 | Jan 19 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Bloom |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| December | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
93 days in Collier County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Collier County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after January 12 in Collier County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Collier County dries quickly — mulch Nasturtium with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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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Nasturtium in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium in Collier County, FL?
Collier County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 12. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Collier County, FL?
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Nasturtium in Collier County County, ?
In Collier County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Collier County County, for Nasturtium?
Collier County County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Collier County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Collier County County's temperate climate. Collier County County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Collier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Collier County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.