When to plant Nasturtium in Idaho County County,
Idaho County County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Nasturtium May 29–June 19 for the single annual harvest; the September 20 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Idaho County, ID
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for Idaho County, Idaho gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: nasturtium
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Idaho County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.
At an elevation of 6,736 feet, Idaho County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Nasturtium to ensure they mature before fall.
Idaho County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Idaho County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) is within Nasturtium's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Idaho County is excellent for Nasturtium — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Nasturtium Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Idaho 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 — Idaho County, ID
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Bloom | July 24 | Jul 24 – Nov 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
114 days in Idaho County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Idaho County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after May 29 in Idaho County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Idaho County receives only 24" of rain annually. Nasturtium needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Idaho County, ID?
Idaho County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Idaho County, ID?
Idaho County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Idaho County County, ?
In Idaho County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around May 29) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Idaho County County, for Nasturtium?
Idaho County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Nasturtium grow in Idaho County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Idaho County County's temperate climate. Idaho County County averages a 114-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 29 and first frost around September 20.
Your Idaho County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Idaho County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.