When to plant Nasturtium in Manatee County, FL
Spring Nasturtium in Manatee County goes in December 17–January 7, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Manatee 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.
Manatee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 326 days.
At an elevation of 237 feet, Manatee County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 103°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.
Manatee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Nasturtium
Nasturtium needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Nasturtium Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Manatee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Manatee County, FL
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 31 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | December 17 | Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Direct Sow | December 17 | Dec 17 – Jan 7 |
| Bloom | February 11 | Feb 11 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
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 10a
📆 Growing Season
326 days in Manatee County
Growing Tips for Manatee 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Nasturtium in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium in Manatee County, FL?
Manatee County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Manatee County, FL?
Manatee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 20.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Manatee County, FL?
In Manatee County, FL, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Manatee County, FL for Nasturtium?
Manatee County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Manatee County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Manatee County's temperate climate. Manatee County averages a 327-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 20.
Your Manatee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Manatee County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.