When to Plant Nasturtiums in Hawaii
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
Hawaii Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Hawaii you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Hawaii | 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a | None | None |
| Upcountry/Mountain | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Hawaii
Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)
Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None
Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Nasturtiums in Hawaii
Nasturtiums in Hawaii's Climate
Nasturtiums grow only during the coolest months — sow from October through February. Summer heat ends the season quickly. In south Florida, the growing window may be only 3-4 months. The edible flowers and leaves add peppery flavor to winter salads.
Soil Considerations for Hawaii
Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
Hawaii Climate & Growing Season
Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. Nasturtiums cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. This difference matters for nasturtiums — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Both flowers and young leaves are edible with a peppery taste. Thrives in poor soil — too much nitrogen means all leaves, no flowers.
Companion Planting
Plant nasturtiums alongside these companions for better growth:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026