When to Plant Nasturtiums in New Jersey
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
New Jersey Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New Jersey you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Jersey | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central New Jersey | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| Southern New Jersey | 7a, 7b | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for New Jersey
Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Nasturtiums in New Jersey
Nasturtiums in New Jersey'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 New Jersey
Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
New Jersey Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. 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 New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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