Growing Nasturtium in San Francisco
🇺🇸 Zone 9 Planting Guide · Warm-summer Mediterranean climate
Quick Answer: Growing Nasturtium in San Francisco
Yes, you can grow Nasturtium in San Francisco, US! Plant during Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr for best results. San Francisco is in USDA Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate, offering 355 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
San Francisco's temperatures (8°C to 22°C) are within the tolerable range for Nasturtium (5°C to 30°C), though not always in the optimal zone (15°C to 25°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.
San Francisco Climate Data
Nasturtium Planting Calendar for San Francisco
Green months show the best time to plant Nasturtium in San Francisco
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 San Francisco.
How to Grow Nasturtium in San Francisco
San Francisco, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). With winter lows of 8°C and summer highs of 22°C, the growing season spans approximately 355 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 San Francisco, the best months to plant Nasturtium are January, February, March, April. 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 600mm of annual rainfall, San Francisco provides moderate natural moisture. This should be adequate for Nasturtium's water needs.
Other Plants That Grow in San Francisco
More plants you can grow alongside Nasturtium in San Francisco
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow nasturtium in San Francisco?
Yes! Nasturtium can be successfully grown in San Francisco, US. San Francisco is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The difficulty level for growing Nasturtium here is rated "easy". The best months to plant are January, February, March, April.
When should I plant nasturtium in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, the recommended planting months for Nasturtium are January, February, March, April. San Francisco has 355 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 8°C and summer highs of 22°C. Since Nasturtium is not frost tolerant, make sure to plant after the last frost date.
How long does nasturtium take to grow in San Francisco?
Nasturtium typically takes 35-52 days from planting to harvest. In San Francisco's Warm-summer Mediterranean climate with 355 frost-free days, you have plenty of time 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 San Francisco?
Nasturtium can potentially be grown indoors in San Francisco with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and low watering.
What month do I plant nasturtium in San Francisco?
Plant Nasturtium in San Francisco during January, February, March, April. These are the optimal months based on San Francisco's USDA Zone 9 climate, 355 frost-free days, and temperature range of 8°C to 22°C.
Is nasturtium hard to grow in San Francisco?
Nasturtium is rated "easy" to grow in San Francisco. This is a great choice for beginners — it is forgiving and adapts well to this climate. The climate match for Nasturtium in San Francisco is Good.
What grows well with nasturtium in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, 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 San Francisco's Zone 9 climate.
Does nasturtium need full sun in San Francisco?
Nasturtium requires full sun to partial shade. Nasturtium tolerates lower light. In San Francisco, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.