When to Plant Nasturtiums in Tennessee
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
Tennessee Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Tennessee you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Middle Tennessee | 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| West Tennessee | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for Tennessee
East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Nasturtiums in Tennessee
Nasturtiums in Tennessee'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 Tennessee
Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
Tennessee Climate & Growing Season
Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety 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 Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. 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