Growing Nasturtiums in Zone 8A

Nasturtiums are edible, pest-trapping flowers with peppery leaves and vibrant blooms.

Zone 8A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Direct sow after frost — they don’t transplant well
• Use as trap crops for aphids — they attract pests away from vegetables
• Flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible (peppery, like watercress)
• Too-rich soil produces lots of leaves but fewer flowers
• Trailing varieties are beautiful in hanging baskets and window boxes

Companion Planting

Good companions: tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, beans — excellent trap crop

Avoid planting near: none — nasturtiums are beneficial companions

Harvest Timeline

Flowering begins 50-60 days from seed; use flowers and leaves fresh

About Zone 8A

USDA Hardiness Zone 8A has an average last spring frost around Mar 20 and first fall frost around Nov 10. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.