When to Plant Nasturtiums in West Virginia
Edible flowers that double as pest traps. Plant near vegetables to lure aphids away from your food crops.
The Short Answer
West Virginia Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of West Virginia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Panhandle | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central Mountains | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 10 |
| Southern Valleys | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Nasturtiums Planting Schedule for West Virginia
Eastern Panhandle (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10
Southern Valleys (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Nasturtiums in West Virginia
Nasturtiums in West Virginia'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 West Virginia
Shale and sandstone soils. Acidic throughout. Thin mountain soils. Valleys have better soil depth. Raised beds often recommended. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 55°F before planting nasturtiums outside.
West Virginia Climate & Growing Season
Mountain climate with significant elevation variation. Cooler summers at altitude. Good rainfall. Microclimates in valleys. 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 West Virginia: Eastern Panhandle (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Valleys (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 10 - Apr 25. 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