Nasturtium seed planting timing - Ask Extension
Hello,
I live in Sisters, OR and would like to plant nasturtium needs (the climbing variety) this spring in planter boxes for use as a privacy screen...
Knowledgebase
Nasturtium seed planting timing #858893
Asked February 10, 2024, 3:35 PM EST
Hello,
I live in Sisters, OR and would like to plant nasturtium needs (the climbing variety) this spring in planter boxes for use as a privacy screen. I’m wondering when is the best time to plant them. Also, can you suggest any other climbing annuals or perennials that might do well in this Central Oregon location? The planter boxes will be set in a sunny location, facing south, on our Front porch and receive late afternoon shade. Thank you for your advice.
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Kristine:
There are several perennial vines that do well in Central Oregon that may suit your need. Clematis, goldflame honeysuckle, silver lace vine, trumpet vine, and Virginia creeper.
The link below is a bulletin put out by Deschutes County OSU Extension. Access the plant list, scroll down to "Vines" category, and you will find more information on their individual qualities and see pictures of each. Something to keep in mind, with our cold winters, all these vines will lose their leaves in winter.
Water-wise Gardening in Central Oregon
If you are interested in annuals, see this article on container gardening. Some of the plants listed as "spillers" are also climbers, if you train them that way.
Container Gardening Basics
Now, when to plant. The next article will give you everything you need to know about gardening in our high desert climate. In summary, the last frost for Sisters (under 24 degrees) is generally the end of May, so you will not want to plant until then. The soil temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees for optimum growing conditions. If you are planting something really frost sensitive, you may want to wait until closer to the middle of July. There is a chart in the article below that shows the history of frost in our area.
Gardening in Central Oregon's Climate
Thank you for your question,
There are several perennial vines that do well in Central Oregon that may suit your need. Clematis, goldflame honeysuckle, silver lace vine, trumpet vine, and Virginia creeper.
The link below is a bulletin put out by Deschutes County OSU Extension. Access the plant list, scroll down to "Vines" category, and you will find more information on their individual qualities and see pictures of each. Something to keep in mind, with our cold winters, all these vines will lose their leaves in winter.
Water-wise Gardening in Central Oregon
If you are interested in annuals, see this article on container gardening. Some of the plants listed as "spillers" are also climbers, if you train them that way.
Container Gardening Basics
Now, when to plant. The next article will give you everything you need to know about gardening in our high desert climate. In summary, the last frost for Sisters (under 24 degrees) is generally the end of May, so you will not want to plant until then. The soil temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees for optimum growing conditions. If you are planting something really frost sensitive, you may want to wait until closer to the middle of July. There is a chart in the article below that shows the history of frost in our area.
Gardening in Central Oregon's Climate
Thank you for your question,
