When to Plant Nasturtium in Codington County, SD
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.
Codington County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 679 feet, Codington County receives approximately 20.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Nasturtium to ensure they mature before fall.
Codington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Nasturtium
Nasturtium needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Codington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Codington County, SD
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Bloom | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 27 |
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 | — |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Codington County
Growing Tips for Codington 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 Codington County, SD?
Codington County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Codington County, SD?
Codington County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Codington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Codington County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.