Blog

When to plant Nasturtium in Holmes County, FL

Holmes County gardeners should plant Nasturtium between March 1 and March 22 in spring. With Holmes County's Zone 8b climate (last frost March 15), Nasturtium needs 55–65 days to mature — plant by September 9 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Nasturtium in Holmes County, FL

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.

Holmes County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 164 feet, Holmes County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°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.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Holmes County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Holmes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Holmes County, FL

Nasturtium Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 15
Direct Sow March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 22
Bloom April 26 Apr 26 – Oct 11

Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

55–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

243 days in Holmes County

Growing Tips for Holmes County

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Nasturtium in Holmes County, FL?

Holmes County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Holmes County, FL?

Holmes County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Nasturtium in Holmes County, FL?

In Holmes County, FL, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around March 15) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Holmes County, FL for Nasturtium?

Holmes County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Nasturtium grow in Holmes County's climate?

Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Holmes County's temperate climate. Holmes County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 15 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Holmes County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Holmes County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Holmes County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.