Annual Flower

When to Plant Nasturtiums in Pennsylvania

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

The Short Answer

Nasturtiums add edible, colorful function to Pennsylvania gardens from June through frost — they're one of the most useful companion flowers available.

Pennsylvania Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Pennsylvania 5a, 5b, 6a May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Central Pennsylvania 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Philadelphia Region 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 5

Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Pennsylvania

Northern Pennsylvania (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

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 Pennsylvania (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

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

Philadelphia Region (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 5

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

Growing Nasturtiums in Pennsylvania

State-Specific Growing Tips

Direct sow from mid-May. Poor soil, full sun. Plant near vegetables. Flowers and leaves add peppery flavor to salads.

Recommended Varieties for Pennsylvania

Jewel Mix, Alaska, Empress of India.

Common Challenges in Pennsylvania

Aphids (intentional trap crop). Minimal other issues.

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 in Pennsylvania with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Pennsylvania gardeners work with a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Philadelphia Region sees frost end around Apr 5 - Apr 20. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Pennsylvania Planting Calendar All plants for Pennsylvania 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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