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When to plant Nasturtium in Marshall County, KY

In Zone 7a (Marshall County), direct-sow Nasturtium between April 3 and April 24 for spring, after the April 3 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Nasturtium in Marshall County, KY

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.

Marshall County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.

At an elevation of 1,550 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Nasturtium during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Marshall County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
212 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
212 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Marshall County, KY

Nasturtium Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Bloom May 29 May 29 – Oct 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Bloom
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

212 days in Marshall County

Growing Tips for Marshall 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 Marshall County, KY?

Marshall County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, KY?

Marshall County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Nasturtium in Marshall County, KY?

In Marshall County, KY, plant Nasturtium after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marshall County, KY for Nasturtium?

Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Nasturtium grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Nasturtium grow in Marshall County's climate?

Yes — Nasturtium grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 212-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 1.

🌱

Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 7a). 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 Marshall County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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