When to plant Nasturtium in Jackson County, IN
Nasturtium planted in Jackson County between April 12 and May 3 matures in 55–65 days — well before the October 20 first frost.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Jackson 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.
Jackson County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,250 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 33.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Jackson County, IN
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Bloom | June 7 | Jun 7 – Oct 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, IN?
Jackson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, IN?
Jackson County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Jackson County, IN?
In Jackson County, IN, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, IN for Nasturtium?
Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.