When to Plant Nasturtiums in Louisiana
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
Louisiana Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Louisiana you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Louisiana | 8a, 8b | Mar 1 - Mar 15 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
| Southern Louisiana | 9a, 9b | Feb 1 - Feb 20 | Dec 1 - Dec 20 |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Louisiana
Northern Louisiana (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Southern Louisiana (Zones 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 20 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20
Growing Nasturtiums in Louisiana
Nasturtiums in Louisiana's Climate
Nasturtiums are cool-season flowers in your warm climate. Plant from September through March. They bloom through your mild winter but decline when sustained heat arrives in spring. Their pest-trapping function is particularly valuable during the cooler months when aphid populations are active.
Soil Considerations for Louisiana
Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some coastal areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
Louisiana Climate & Growing Season
Subtropical. Long growing season. Very hot and humid summers — some crops need shade. Year-round gardening possible. 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 Louisiana: Northern Louisiana (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 1 - Mar 15, while Southern Louisiana (9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 20. 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