Missouri Planting Calendar
Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for Missouri gardeners.
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
The Short Answer
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b through 7a, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Northern Missouri has an average last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri sees its last frost around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.
Missouri Frost Dates by Region
Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state.
| 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 |
Soil & Growing Conditions
Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile.
What to Plant in Missouri
Missouri's four-season climate supports nearly everything in the garden. Your balanced growing conditions are the envy of both hotter and colder states. Here are the best performers:
Warm-Season Stars
Cool-Season & Year-Round
Flowers, Herbs & More
Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.
Neighboring States
Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026