When to plant Nasturtium in Rice County County,
For Nasturtium in Rice County County, the safe spring window opens around April 16 and closes around May 7. Last expected frost is April 16, first fall frost October 18, giving a 185-day growing season.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Rice County, KS
June in the garden — Rice County, Kansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Rice County, Kansas this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start harvesting nasturtium
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Rice County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,019 feet, Rice County receives approximately 24.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season.
Rice County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Rice County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Nasturtium's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rice County is excellent for Nasturtium — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rice 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 — Rice County, KS
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 11 | Jun 11 – Oct 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
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
185 days in Rice County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Rice County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after April 16 in Rice County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Rice County receives only 25" 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 Rice County, KS?
Rice County is in Zone 6b 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 Rice County, KS?
Rice County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Rice County County, ?
In Rice County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rice County County, for Nasturtium?
Rice 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 Rice County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Rice County County's temperate climate. Rice County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.
Your Rice County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rice 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.