📍 Macedonia, IA · Zone 5b · Last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026
✏️ ChangeWhen to Plant Nasturtium in Macedonia, Iowa (51549)
Location
Macedonia, Iowa
ZIP Code
51549
USDA Zone
5b
Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b
Pro tip: Sow Nasturtium directly outdoors 1 week after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.
🌿 Plant Details
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
💧
Water
Low (drought tolerant)
↔️
Spacing
12" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
0.5" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days
Ready to Plant Nasturtium in Macedonia?
Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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🤝 Good Companions
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
Full Companion Planting Guide for Nasturtium
See which plants help Nasturtium thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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Common Nasturtium Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Alaska
Variegated white-splashed leaves with bright mixed flowers; edible blooms and leaves.
Jewel Mix
Classic bushy mix of red, orange, and yellow flowers; most commonly grown variety.
Empress of India
Heirloom compact variety with deep scarlet flowers against dark blue-green foliage.
Moonlight
Trailing variety with pale yellow flowers; beautiful in hanging baskets.
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Seeds ripen quickly after flowering — collect wrinkled, tan-brown seeds directly from the plant.
Processing
Pick seeds when tan and firm, lay flat to dry for 2 weeks before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Large, easy-to-handle seeds make nasturtium one of the best plants for beginner seed savers.
Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Nasturtium. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium in Macedonia, Iowa? +
In Macedonia (Zone 5b), direct sow Nasturtium outdoors around Saturday, May 2, 2026.
What is the last frost date for Macedonia, Iowa? +
The average last spring frost date for Macedonia, Iowa (ZIP 51549) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.
How long does Nasturtium take to grow? +
Nasturtium typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Macedonia, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 2, 2026 plus 60 days.
Should I start Nasturtium indoors or direct sow in Iowa? +
Nasturtium does best when direct sown outdoors. In Macedonia, sow directly around Saturday, May 2, 2026.
📚 More Nasturtium Planting Guides
Other Plants for Macedonia
Growing Nasturtium in Zone 5b
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Macedonia, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Nasturtium grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.