Growing Nasturtium in Des Moines
🇺🇸 Zone 2 Planting Guide · Hot-summer humid continental climate
Quick Answer: Growing Nasturtium in Des Moines
Yes, you can grow Nasturtium in Des Moines, US! Plant during May, Jun, Jul, Aug for best results. Des Moines is in USDA Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate, offering 170 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is easy, and Nasturtium takes 35-52 days to harvest. Nasturtium needs full sun to partial shade and low watering.
Climate Match Analysis
Des Moines's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-12°C) drop below Nasturtium's minimum (5°C), so avoid cold months. Follow the recommended planting months for success.
Des Moines Climate Data
Nasturtium Planting Calendar for Des Moines
Green months show the best time to plant Nasturtium in Des Moines
Nasturtium Growing Requirements
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
2-4 hours direct sunlight
Water
Low
Drought tolerant, water sparingly
Days to Harvest
35-52
From planting to first harvest
Difficulty
Great for beginners
💡 Growing Tips for Nasturtium
Poor soil produces more flowers. Seeds are large and easy for kids. Wait until soil warms to at least 15°C before transplanting outdoors — cold soil stunts growth and can invite root rot. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Let soil dry out between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent.
Frost tolerance: Nasturtium is NOT frost tolerant — wait until after the last frost in Des Moines.
How to Grow Nasturtium in Des Moines
Des Moines, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa). With winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C, the growing season spans approximately 170 frost-free days. Nasturtium is one of the easiest plants to grow in this climate.
Nasturtium thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, requiring full sun to partial shade and low watering. In Des Moines, the best months to plant Nasturtium are May, June, July, August. Nasturtium is not frost tolerant, so it's important to wait until after the last spring frost before transplanting outdoors. Expect to harvest in approximately 35-52 days after planting.
With 889mm of annual rainfall, Des Moines provides moderate natural moisture. This should be adequate for Nasturtium's water needs.
Other Plants That Grow in Des Moines
More plants you can grow alongside Nasturtium in Des Moines
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow nasturtium in Des Moines?
Yes! Nasturtium can be successfully grown in Des Moines, US. Des Moines is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate. The difficulty level for growing Nasturtium here is rated "easy". The best months to plant are May, June, July, August.
When should I plant nasturtium in Des Moines?
In Des Moines, the recommended planting months for Nasturtium are May, June, July, August. Des Moines has 170 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C. Since Nasturtium is not frost tolerant, make sure to plant after the last frost date.
How long does nasturtium take to grow in Des Moines?
Nasturtium typically takes 35-52 days from planting to harvest. In Des Moines's Hot-summer humid continental climate with 170 frost-free days, you have enough time with good planning to grow Nasturtium to maturity. Poor soil produces more flowers. Seeds are large and easy for kids. Wait until soil warms to at least 15°C before transplanting outdoors — cold soil stunts growth and can invite root rot. Overwatering is the most common mistake. Let soil dry out between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent.
Can I grow nasturtium indoors in Des Moines?
Nasturtium can potentially be grown indoors in Des Moines with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the May, Jun, Jul, Aug outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and low watering.
What month do I plant nasturtium in Des Moines?
Plant Nasturtium in Des Moines during May, June, July, August. These are the optimal months based on Des Moines's USDA Zone 2 climate, 170 frost-free days, and temperature range of -12°C to 30°C.
Is nasturtium hard to grow in Des Moines?
Nasturtium is rated "easy" to grow in Des Moines. This is a great choice for beginners — it is forgiving and adapts well to this climate. The climate match for Nasturtium in Des Moines is Moderate.
What grows well with nasturtium in Des Moines?
In Des Moines, you can grow many companion plants alongside Nasturtium. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Des Moines's Zone 2 climate.
Does nasturtium need full sun in Des Moines?
Nasturtium requires full sun to partial shade. Nasturtium tolerates lower light. In Des Moines, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.