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When to plant Nasturtium in Hendricks County, IN

Plant Nasturtium in Hendricks County after April 16; the prime window is April 23–May 14.

When to Plant Nasturtium in Hendricks County, IN

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.

Hendricks County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 1,286 feet, Hendricks County receives approximately 32.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Hendricks County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Hendricks County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Hendricks County, IN

Nasturtium Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Bloom June 18 Jun 18 – Oct 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Hendricks County

Growing Tips for Hendricks 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 Hendricks County, IN?

Hendricks County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hendricks County, IN?

Hendricks County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Nasturtium in Hendricks County, IN?

In Hendricks County, IN, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hendricks County, IN for Nasturtium?

Hendricks County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Nasturtium grow in Hendricks County's climate?

Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Hendricks County's temperate climate. Hendricks County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Hendricks County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hendricks County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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