When to Plant Cucumbers in Missouri
Cool, crisp, and perfect for salads and pickling. Cucumbers thrive in warm weather and produce abundantly.
The Short Answer
Missouri Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Missouri you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Missouri | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Missouri | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Missouri | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Cucumbers Planting Schedule for Missouri
Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Missouri (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Cucumbers in Missouri
Cucumbers in Missouri's Climate
Cucumbers thrive in your warm summer months. Direct sow or transplant from mid-May. Production peaks in July-August. Provide trellising for climbing types — vertical growing improves air circulation and reduces disease in the humid conditions common across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic. Succession plant in late June for harvest through September.
Soil Considerations for Missouri
Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting cucumbers outside.
Missouri Climate & Growing Season
Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state. Cucumbers cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Missouri: Northern Missouri (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for cucumbers — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Trellis for straighter fruits and better air circulation. Pick regularly to encourage more production.
Companion Planting
Plant cucumbers alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep cucumbers away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026