State growing guide
Missouri Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6a/6b · Last frost Apr 15 · First frost Oct 25 · 193 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Missouri.
Frost Dates by City — Missouri
Average frost dates for major Missouri cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Kansas City | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Springfield | 6a | Apr 10 | Oct 28 | ~2 wks after (Apr 10) |
| Columbia | 5b | Apr 25 | Oct 12 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Joplin | 6b | Apr 5 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Missouri Gardeners
- St. Louis and KC gardeners transplant tomatoes late April
- Missouri has great growing conditions for warm-season crops
- Southern Missouri (Joplin, Zone 6b) has a warmer, longer season
Common Challenges in Missouri
- ⚠ Hot humid summers promote fungal disease on tomatoes and cucumbers
- ⚠ Late spring hailstorms can wipe out plantings
Best Crops for Missouri
Tomatoes Peppers Sweet Corn Soybeans Watermelon Squash Beans Cucumbers Cantaloupe
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Missouri
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Missouri Gardening
What zone is Missouri?
Missouri ranges from Zone 5b (central/northern) to Zone 6b (southern). St. Louis and Kansas City are Zone 6a, Columbia is Zone 5b, and Joplin is Zone 6b.