When to Plant Nasturtiums in South Carolina
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
South Carolina Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of South Carolina you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upstate | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
| Midlands | 7b, 8a | Mar 15 - Apr 1 | Nov 1 - Nov 15 |
| Coastal | 8a, 8b, 9a | Feb 25 - Mar 15 | Nov 10 - Dec 1 |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for South Carolina
Upstate (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Midlands (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15
Coastal (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Dec 1
Growing Nasturtiums in South Carolina
Nasturtiums in South Carolina'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 South Carolina
Red clay in Piedmont. Sandy soils on coast. Acidic throughout. Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
South Carolina Climate & Growing Season
Long, hot growing season. Subtropical on coast. Two main planting seasons. Summer heat can stress cool-season 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 South Carolina: Upstate (7a, 7b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Coastal (8a, 8b, 9a) sees frost end around Feb 25 - Mar 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