When to plant Nasturtium in Thomas County County,
Thomas County County's spring Nasturtium window runs May 7 through May 28. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Nasturtium in Thomas County, KS
June to-do list for Thomas County, Kansas
Each item below is timed to Thomas County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 810 feet, Thomas County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season.
Thomas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.5
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 Thomas County
How your county's soil matches Nasturtium's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.5) is within Nasturtium's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Thomas County is excellent for Nasturtium — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Nasturtium will thrive.
How to Plant Nasturtium
Succession Planting Nasturtium
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Thomas 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 — Thomas County, KS
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Bloom | July 2 | Jul 2 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Thomas County
Growing Tips for Nasturtium in Thomas County
Direct sow Nasturtium outdoors after April 30 in Thomas 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 Thomas County, KS?
Thomas County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Thomas County, KS?
Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Nasturtium in Thomas County County, ?
In Thomas County County, , plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Thomas County County, for Nasturtium?
Thomas County 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 Thomas County County's climate?
Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Thomas County County's temperate climate. Thomas County County averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 12.
Your Thomas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Thomas 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.