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When to Plant Nasturtium in Colorado Springs, Colorado (80921)

Location

Colorado Springs, Colorado

ZIP Code

80921

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

Scientific Name Tropaeolum majus
Days to Maturity 60 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 18"
Type Annual

☀️ 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 Colorado Springs?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, May 2, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoCucumberSquashRadish

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
🤝

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

open-pollinated

Variegated white-splashed leaves with bright mixed flowers; edible blooms and leaves.

Jewel Mix

open-pollinated

Classic bushy mix of red, orange, and yellow flowers; most commonly grown variety.

Empress of India

heirloom

Heirloom compact variety with deep scarlet flowers against dark blue-green foliage.

Moonlight

open-pollinated

Trailing variety with pale yellow flowers; beautiful in hanging baskets.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado? +

In Colorado Springs (Zone 5b), direct sow Nasturtium outdoors around Saturday, May 2, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Colorado Springs, Colorado? +

The average last spring frost date for Colorado Springs, Colorado (ZIP 80921) 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 Colorado Springs, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 2, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Nasturtium indoors or direct sow in Colorado? +

Nasturtium does best when direct sown outdoors. In Colorado Springs, sow directly around Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Other Plants for Colorado Springs

Growing Nasturtium in Zone 5b

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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.