Annual Flower

When to Plant Nasturtiums in Rhode Island

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

The Short Answer

In Rhode Island, plant nasturtiums based on your regional frost dates. Maritime climate moderates temperatures. Four seasons. Moderate growing season. Ocean influence reduces frost risk near...

Rhode Island Frost Dates

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

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Rhode Island	6a, 6b, 7a	Apr 15 - May 5	Oct 5 - Oct 25

Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Rhode Island

Rhode Island (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors

2 wks before frost

Transplant Outside

1 wks after frost

Direct Sow

1 wks after frost

Growing Nasturtiums in Rhode Island

Nasturtiums in Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island

Rocky, acidic New England soils. Sandy near coast. Glacial deposits throughout. Amendment needed for most vegetable gardening. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.

Rhode Island Climate & Growing Season

Maritime climate moderates temperatures. Four seasons. Moderate growing season. Ocean influence reduces frost risk near coast. Nasturtiums cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

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 Rhode Island, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Rhode Island gardeners should plan around a Apr 15 - May 5 last frost, while those in Rhode Island can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

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