Annual Flower

When to Plant Nasturtiums in Iowa

Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.

The Short Answer

In Iowa, plant nasturtiums based on your regional frost dates. Northern Iowa has a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Southern Iowa sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 5. Continental climate. Cold winters, warm humid summers. Good growing season with adequate rainfall.

Iowa Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Iowa you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Iowa 4b, 5a May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Central Iowa 5a, 5b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Southern Iowa 5b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 5 - Oct 20

Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Iowa

Northern Iowa (Zones 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Central Iowa (Zones 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Southern Iowa (Zones 5b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20

Start Seeds Indoors
2 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Growing Nasturtiums in Iowa

Nasturtiums in Iowa's Climate

Nasturtiums add edible beauty to cold-climate gardens from June through frost. Direct sow after last frost — they grow fast in summer warmth. Plant near vegetables as companion and trap plants for aphids. The flowers and leaves have a peppery, watercress-like flavor that brightens salads.

Soil Considerations for Iowa

Outstanding black prairie soils. Some of the richest agricultural land in the world. Minimal amendment needed. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.

Iowa Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Cold winters, warm humid summers. Good growing season with adequate rainfall. 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 Iowa: Northern Iowa (4b, 5a) has a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Southern Iowa (5b) sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 5. 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:

Tomatoes Cucumbers Squash Beans

The Bottom Line

Nasturtiums can be grown successfully across Iowa, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Iowa gardeners should plan around a May 5 - May 20 last frost, while those in Southern Iowa can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Nasturtiums Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Iowa Planting Calendar All plants for Iowa Nasturtiums in Alabama Alabama planting dates Nasturtiums in Alaska Alaska planting dates Nasturtiums in Arizona Arizona planting dates Nasturtiums in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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