Perennial

When to Plant Hostas in Missouri

The king of shade gardens. Hostas come in hundreds of varieties and get more beautiful with each passing year.

The Short Answer

In Missouri, plant hostas based on your regional frost dates. Northern Missouri has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state.

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

Hostas Planting Schedule for Missouri

Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

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0 wks after frost

Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)

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

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0 wks after frost

Southern Missouri (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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0 wks after frost

Growing Hostas in Missouri

Hostas in Missouri's Climate

Hostas thrive throughout the moderate zone. The four-season climate provides winter dormancy and summer growth without temperature extremes. Your mature hardwood trees create the dappled shade hostas prefer. Hundreds of varieties work in your conditions. Deer browse and slugs are the primary challenges.

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. Hostas 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 hostas — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant divisions or nursery plants in spring or fall. Slugs are the main enemy — use iron phosphate bait. Mulch to retain moisture.

Companion Planting

Plant hostas alongside these companions for better growth:

Ferns Astilbe Heuchera

The Bottom Line

Hostas 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

Hostas Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Missouri Planting Calendar All plants for Missouri Hostas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Hostas in Alaska Alaska planting dates Hostas in Arizona Arizona planting dates Hostas 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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