When to Plant Nasturtiums in Indiana
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
Indiana Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Indiana you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana | 5b, 6a | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Indiana | 6a, 6b | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Indiana | 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Indiana
Northern Indiana (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Indiana (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Indiana (Zones 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Nasturtiums in Indiana
Nasturtiums in Indiana's Climate
Nasturtiums thrive from spring through frost in your climate. They prefer poor soil — don't fertilize or you'll get leaves without flowers. The trailing types spill beautifully from containers. Plant near tomatoes and squash to draw aphids away from your vegetable crops.
Soil Considerations for Indiana
Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy clay. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
Indiana Climate & Growing Season
Four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall for most crops. Occasional late spring frosts catch gardeners off guard. 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 Indiana: Northern Indiana (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Indiana (6b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - Apr 25. 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