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When to Plant Nasturtium in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, June 8, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

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 Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, June 8, 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 Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), direct sow Nasturtium outdoors around Monday, June 8, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Nasturtium take to grow? +

Nasturtium typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 8, 2026 plus 60 days.

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

Nasturtium does best when direct sown outdoors. In Fairbanks, sow directly around Monday, June 8, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Nasturtium in Zone 2a

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, June 8, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Nasturtium grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.