When to plant Nasturtium in Stafford County County,
In Zone 6b (Stafford County County), direct-sow Nasturtium between April 16 and May 7 for spring, after the April 16 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Stafford County, KS
June to-do list for Stafford County, Kansas
Your Stafford County, Kansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Pick nasturtium
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Stafford County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 965 feet, Stafford County receives approximately 25.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season.
Stafford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Stafford County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Nasturtium's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Stafford County is excellent for Nasturtium — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Nasturtium.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
Nasturtium Water Budget
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stafford 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 — Stafford 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
188 days in Stafford County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Stafford County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after April 16 in Stafford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Stafford County, KS?
Stafford 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 Stafford County, KS?
Stafford County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Stafford County County, ?
In Stafford County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stafford County County, for Nasturtium?
Stafford 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 Stafford County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Stafford County County's temperate climate. Stafford County County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 21.
Your Stafford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stafford 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.