New York’s short spring season makes indoor seed starting a smart choice for nasturtium, with outdoor planting reserved for late May or early June. Finding the best time to plant nasturtium in new york can feel tricky because the weather swings from cold to hot so fast. But once you know the frost dates and soil temps, it gets simple.
Nasturtiums are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. They bloom fast, they’re edible, and they actually prefer poor soil. But timing matters a lot in New York’s climate. Plant too early and frost kills them. Plant too late and summer heat stresses them out.
This guide walks you through exactly when and how to plant nasturtiums in New York. You’ll get specific dates for indoor starts and outdoor transplants. Plus tips for direct sowing, containers, and common mistakes to avoid.
Best Time To Plant Nasturtium In New York
The absolute best time to plant nasturtium in new york depends on your method. For indoor seed starting, aim for mid-April. For outdoor direct sowing or transplanting, wait until late May or early June. The key is to avoid any frost risk and to make sure soil temperature is at least 55°F.
New York spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7b. That means last frost dates vary from early May in NYC to mid-May in upstate areas. Always check your local frost date before planting.
Understanding New York’s Frost Dates
Frost is the biggest enemy of young nasturtiums. These plants are tender annuals that cannot handle freezing temps. Even a light frost can kill seedlings or damage leaves.
- Zone 5b (upstate NY): Last frost around May 15–20
- Zone 6a (central NY): Last frost around May 1–10
- Zone 7a (NYC metro): Last frost around April 15–25
You should never plant nasturtiums outdoors before your area’s last frost date. Even then, watch the 10-day forecast. A cold snap can still happen.
Soil Temperature Matters More Than Air Temp
Nasturtium seeds germinate best when soil is consistently 55–65°F. If soil is colder than 50°F, seeds rot instead of sprouting. Use a soil thermometer to check. Or wait until nighttime lows stay above 50°F for a week.
In New York, soil usually reaches 55°F by late May. Coastal areas warm up faster. Mountain regions stay cooler longer.
Indoor Seed Starting: Mid To Late April
Starting nasturtiums indoors gives you a head start. You get stronger plants that bloom earlier. This is especially helpful in New York’s short growing season.
When To Start Seeds Indoors
Count back 4–6 weeks from your last frost date. For most of New York, that means starting seeds between April 10 and April 25.
- Fill small pots or seed trays with seed-starting mix
- Plant seeds ½ inch deep, one per pot
- Water gently and cover with plastic wrap
- Place in a warm spot (65–70°F) with bright light
- Seeds sprout in 7–14 days
Nasturtium roots are sensitive to transplant shock. Use biodegradable pots like peat pots or paper cups. That way you can plant the whole pot without disturbing roots.
Hardening Off Before Moving Outdoors
About 7–10 days before transplanting, start hardening off your seedlings. Move them outside for a few hours each day. Increase time gradually. This helps them adjust to wind, sun, and cooler temps.
Don’t skip this step. Sudden outdoor exposure can stunt or kill indoor-grown plants.
Direct Sowing Outdoors: Late May To Early June
Direct sowing is the easiest method. Nasturtiums actually prefer not to be transplanted. Their roots are delicate and don’t like disturbance.
Best Dates For Direct Sowing
For most of New York, direct sow nasturtium seeds between May 20 and June 5. In warmer NYC areas, you can start as early as May 10. In colder upstate zones, wait until June 1.
Check soil temperature first. If it’s below 55°F, wait another week. Cold, wet soil causes seed rot.
How To Direct Sow Nasturtium Seeds
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil
- Scarify seeds lightly with sandpaper (optional but helps germination)
- Soak seeds overnight in warm water
- Plant seeds ½ to 1 inch deep
- Space seeds 10–12 inches apart
- Water gently and keep soil moist until sprouts appear
Nasturtiums germinate in 7–14 days. Once they have two sets of true leaves, thin to one plant per spot if needed.
Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors: Late May
If you started seeds indoors, transplant them outside after the last frost. For most New Yorkers, that’s late May.
Step-By-Step Transplanting Guide
- Wait for a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock
- Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball
- Space plants 10–12 inches apart
- If using biodegradable pots, tear off the rim to prevent wicking
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Add a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture
Water daily for the first week if there’s no rain. After that, nasturtiums are fairly drought-tolerant.
Fall Planting: A Second Window
You can also plant nasturtiums in late summer for fall blooms. This works well in New York because the weather cools down but stays warm enough for growth.
When To Plant For Fall Blooms
Direct sow seeds in late July or early August. Count back 60 days from your first fall frost date. For most of New York, first frost hits in October. So planting by August 1 gives enough time for flowers.
Fall-planted nasturtiums often bloom until the first hard frost. They handle light frosts better than spring plants because they’re already mature.
Best Nasturtium Varieties For New York
Some nasturtium varieties perform better in New York’s climate. Here are top choices for both flowers and leaves.
Dwarf Varieties For Containers
- ‘Alaska’ series: Variegated leaves, compact growth
- ‘Tom Thumb’ series: Small plants, early blooms
- ‘Whirlybird’ series: Upward-facing flowers, no trailing
Trailing Varieties For Hanging Baskets
- ‘Jewel’ series: Bright colors, long vines
- ‘Empress of India’: Deep red flowers, dark leaves
- ‘Moonlight’: Pale yellow, very long vines
All these varieties grow well in New York’s climate. Dwarf types are best for small spaces or pots. Trailing types look great in hanging baskets or spilling over walls.
Soil Preparation And Site Selection
Nasturtiums are not fussy about soil. In fact, they bloom best in poor to average soil. Rich soil makes them grow lots of leaves but few flowers.
What Kind Of Soil Do Nasturtiums Need?
Well-draining soil is essential. Heavy clay holds too much moisture and causes root rot. Sandy or loamy soil works best. If your soil is clay, amend it with compost or plant in raised beds.
Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5). Nasturtiums tolerate a wide range, so testing is optional.
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun is best for maximum blooms. That means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In New York’s hot summers, afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch. But too much shade reduces flowering.
If you have a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, that’s ideal.
Watering And Fertilizing Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are low-maintenance once established. Overwatering and overfertilizing cause more problems than underdoing it.
How Often To Water
Water deeply once a week if there’s no rain. In hot, dry spells, water twice a week. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Soggy soil leads to root rot.
Check soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch deep. If it feels dry, water. If it’s still moist, wait.
Fertilizer: Less Is More
Do not fertilize nasturtiums. They bloom best in lean soil. Fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen types, produces lush leaves but few flowers. If your soil is extremely poor, add a little compost at planting time. That’s enough.
Common Problems And Solutions
Nasturtiums are generally pest-resistant. But a few issues can pop up in New York gardens.
Aphids On Nasturtiums
Aphids love nasturtiums. That’s actually a good thing—they act as trap plants, drawing aphids away from your vegetables. If aphids bother you, spray them off with a strong stream of water. Or use insecticidal soap.
Ladybugs and lacewings also eat aphids naturally.
Leaf Spot And Powdery Mildew
These fungal diseases appear in humid weather. New York summers can be humid, especially near the coast. Prevent problems by spacing plants for good air circulation. Water at the base, not on leaves.
If you see spots or white powder, remove affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering.
No Flowers, Only Leaves
This usually means too much nitrogen or too much shade. Move plants to a sunnier spot. Stop fertilizing. Sometimes plants just need more time—they bloom more as summer progresses.
Harvesting And Using Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are edible flowers with a peppery taste. Both flowers and leaves are edible. Harvest them regularly to encourage more blooms.
When And How To Harvest
Pick flowers when they’re fully open. Pick leaves when they’re young and tender. Use scissors or pinch with your fingers. Harvest in the morning when plants are hydrated.
Store flowers in a damp paper towel in the fridge. Use within a day or two for best flavor.
Culinary Uses
Add flowers to salads for color and spice. Stuff them with cheese or use as garnish. Leaves can replace watercress in sandwiches or soups. The seed pods can be pickled as a caper substitute.
Always wash nasturtiums before eating. Make sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides.
Companion Planting With Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants in vegetable gardens. They repel certain pests and attract beneficial insects.
Best Companions
- Tomatoes: Nasturtiums repel whiteflies and aphids
- Cucumbers: Deter cucumber beetles
- Broccoli and cabbage: Trap aphids away from brassicas
- Radishes: Improve growth and flavor
Plants To Avoid
Nasturtiums don’t have many negative interactions. But avoid planting them near beans or peas if you have limited space. They can compete for resources.
Growing Nasturtiums In Containers
Container gardening is popular in New York, especially in apartments with balconies. Nasturtiums thrive in pots.
Choosing The Right Pot
Use a pot at least 6–8 inches deep with drainage holes. Dwarf varieties need 6-inch pots. Trailing types need larger containers or hanging baskets.
Fill with standard potting mix. Don’t use garden soil—it’s too heavy for pots.
Container Care Tips
Pots dry out faster than garden beds. Water more frequently, especially in summer. Check soil daily. Add a layer of mulch on top to retain moisture.
Fertilize sparingly, if at all. A half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month is plenty if plants look pale.
Seasonal Timeline For New York
Here’s a quick month-by-month guide for nasturtium planting in New York.
April
Start seeds indoors mid-month. Prepare garden beds by removing weeds and adding compost if needed.
May
Harden off seedlings. Direct sow outdoors after the last frost (late May for most areas). Transplant seedlings in late May.
June
Direct sow if you missed May. Water young plants regularly. Watch for aphids.
July
Enjoy blooms. Harvest flowers and leaves. Start seeds for fall planting at the end of July.
August
Direct sow for fall blooms. Continue harvesting. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
September
Fall-planted nasturtiums start blooming. Enjoy until first frost.
October
First frost hits. Remove plants after they die back. Compost healthy plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Nasturtium Seeds In New York In March?
No, March is too early for outdoor planting. The soil is too cold and frost is still likely. You can start seeds indoors in late March if you have a warm, sunny spot. But mid-April is safer for indoor starts.
What Is The Latest Time To Plant Nasturtium In New York?
You can direct sow nasturtium seeds as late as early August for fall blooms. For spring planting, the latest is early June. After that, summer heat may stress young plants before they establish.
Do Nasturtiums Come Back Every Year In New York?
No, nasturtiums are annuals in New York. They die with the first hard frost. However, they self-seed easily. If you let some flowers go to seed, new plants may sprout next spring without any work from you.
Should I Soak Nasturtium Seeds Before Planting?
Yes, soaking seeds overnight in warm water softens the hard seed coat and speeds up germination. This is optional but helpful, especially for direct sowing in cooler soil. Don’t soak longer than 24 hours or seeds may rot.
Can I Grow Nasturtiums In Shade In New York?
Nasturtiums can tolerate partial shade, but they bloom much less. For best results, give them at least 6 hours of direct sun. In New York’s hot summers, afternoon shade is fine, but morning sun is important for flower production.
Final Tips For Success
Timing is everything with nasturtiums in New York. Wait for warm soil and no frost risk. Don’t overwater or overfertilize. Choose the right variety for your space.
Remember that nasturtiums are forgiving plants. Even if you plant a bit late, they’ll still bloom. They just need warmth and patience.
Start small if you’re new to gardening. A few seeds in a pot on your balcony can give you beautiful flowers and tasty leaves all summer. Once you see how easy they are, you’ll want more next year.
New York’s growing season is short but rewarding. With the right timing, nasturtiums will thrive from June through October. Enjoy the bright colors, the peppery flavor, and the satisfaction of growing your own flowers.