When to plant Nasturtium in Duval County County,
In Duval County County, plant Nasturtium in spring between January 27 and February 17, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Duval County County's last frost averages February 24, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 65 days before the first frost on November 29.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Duval County, FL
Top priorities for Duval County, Florida gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start harvesting nasturtium
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Nasturtium may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Duval County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Duval County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Nasturtium prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Duval County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Nasturtium will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 25 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Duval 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 — Duval County, FL
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Direct Sow | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 17 |
| Bloom | March 24 | Mar 24 – Oct 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
278 days in Duval County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Duval County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after February 24 in Duval County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Duval County dries quickly — mulch Nasturtium with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Duval County, provide afternoon shade for Nasturtium and water deeply in the morning.
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 Duval County, FL?
Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Duval County, FL?
Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Duval County, ?
In Duval County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Duval County, for Nasturtium?
Duval County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Duval County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.
Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Duval County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.