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When to Plant Daffodils in Missouri

Deer-proof, squirrel-proof, and virtually indestructible. Daffodils naturalize and multiply, coming back bigger each year.

The Short Answer

Daffodils are planted in fall in Missouri, 8 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Oct 1 - Oct 15 in Northern Missouri.

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

Daffodils Planting Schedule for Missouri

Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southern Missouri (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Daffodils in Missouri

Daffodils in Missouri's Climate

Daffodils are your best long-term spring bulb investment. Plant in October-November. Your cold winters provide excellent chilling, and the moderate spring extends bloom duration. Unlike tulips, which decline after a few years, daffodils multiply and return stronger annually.

Soil Considerations for Missouri

Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile.

Missouri Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state. Daffodils can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Missouri's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

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 daffodils — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Let foliage die back naturally after blooming — it feeds next year's flowers. Plant at 3x the bulb's height deep.

Companion Planting

Plant daffodils alongside these companions for better growth:

Tulips Hyacinths Grape Hyacinths

The Bottom Line

Daffodils can be grown successfully across Missouri, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Missouri gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Missouri can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Daffodils Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Missouri Planting Calendar All plants for Missouri Daffodils in Alabama Alabama planting dates Daffodils in Alaska Alaska planting dates Daffodils in Arizona Arizona planting dates Daffodils in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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