When to plant Nasturtium in Leon County County,
For Nasturtium in Leon County County, the safe spring window opens around February 18 and closes around March 11. Last expected frost is March 11, first fall frost November 21, giving a 255-day growing season.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Leon County, FL
Leon County, Florida gardeners: here's your June plan
June is a pivotal month for Leon County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Harvest nasturtium as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Leon County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
At an elevation of 250 feet, Leon County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Leon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.7
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 Leon County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.7) is more acidic than Nasturtium prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Leon 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
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Leon 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 — Leon County, FL
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Bloom | April 15 | Apr 15 – Oct 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
255 days in Leon County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Leon County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after March 11 in Leon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Leon 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
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 Leon County, FL?
Leon County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Leon County, FL?
Leon County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 21.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Leon County County, ?
In Leon County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Leon County County, for Nasturtium?
Leon County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Leon County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Leon County County's temperate climate. Leon County County averages a 255-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 21.
Your Leon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Leon County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.