When to Plant Nasturtium in Brooks County, TX
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.
Brooks County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 10 and the first fall frost is December 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 306 days.
At an elevation of 2,752 feet, Brooks County receives approximately 64.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Nasturtium may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Nasturtium root diseases.
Brooks County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Brooks County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Nasturtium Planting Timeline — Brooks County, TX
Nasturtium Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 13 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 13 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 13 | Jan 13 – Feb 3 |
| Bloom | March 10 | Mar 10 – Sep 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
306 days in Brooks County
Growing Tips for Brooks 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 Brooks County, TX?
Brooks County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 10. Plan your Nasturtium planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brooks County, TX?
Brooks County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 10 and first fall frost is December 13.
Your Brooks County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brooks County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.