When to plant Nasturtiums in Newcastle upon Tyne

Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium
Nasturtium · Tropaeolum majus

A fast-growing half-hardy annual with bright edible flowers and round leaves. In the UK it’s easy from seed, flowers well in poor soil, and suits beds, edging, hanging baskets, or larger containers.

30 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Newcastle upon Tyne · last frost ≈ 25 Apr

Sow outdoors March to April, plant out May, harvest June to October. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    28 Mar to 11 Apr

    Sow seeds around 28th March - 11th April in modules or direct where they are to flower. Cover with of compost and keep the compost just moist while seedlings emerge.

  2. 02

    Thin Or Prick Out

    11 Apr to 9 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings have a couple of true leaves, from 11th April to 9th May, thin direct-sown seedlings or prick out module-sown plants into individual cells. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them moving steadily so they do not become leggy.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    25 Apr to 16 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 25th April to 16th May, move plants outside for longer each day before planting them out. Protect them from cold nights and strong wind, and keep them in a sheltered spot at first.

  4. 04

    Plant Out

    9 May to 23 May

    Once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed, plant out your hardened-off seedlings around 9th May - 23rd May. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight after planting, and give them a sunny spot with free-draining soil.

  5. 05

    Deadheading and Maintenance

    8 Jun to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 8th June to 28th October, remove fading flowers regularly so the plant keeps producing new blooms instead of setting seed. Water only in dry spells, because rich soil and heavy feeding usually mean more leaves and fewer flowers.

  6. 06

    Harvest Flowers And Leaves

    8 Jun to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pick flowers and young leaves from 8th June until 28th October. Harvest in the morning for the best flavour, and take only a few leaves from each plant so it keeps flowering well.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Nasturtium.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Nasturtium to consider

Alaska

A compact, variegated nasturtium with cream-mottled foliage and bright flowers. Good for edging and containers.

Empress of India

A dwarf, deep red-flowered type with neat growth. Useful for smaller beds and pots.

Jewel Mix

A mixed dwarf strain that flowers freely from summer into autumn. Handy for quick colour in beds and containers.

Whirlybird Mix

A semi-trailing mix with double flowers and a tidy habit. Suits baskets, tubs, and spilling over raised edges.

Nasturtium guides by town

See how Nasturtium timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.