Missouri Planting Guide & Growing Season
Missouri is in USDA hardiness zone 5b-7a with a growing season of 190 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 10 and the average first fall frost is Oct 15.
Growing Conditions in Missouri
How Missouri Compares
Compare Missouri's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (MO) | 5b-7a | Apr 10 | Oct 15 | 190 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Missouri
When should I start seeds indoors in Missouri?
In Missouri, the average last frost date is Apr 10. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Missouri is 5b-7a, with a growing season of approximately 190 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Missouri?
Missouri falls in USDA hardiness zones 5b-7a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Missouri?
The average first frost date in Missouri is Oct 15. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Missouri?
Missouri has an average growing season of 190 days, from the last frost (Apr 10) to first frost (Oct 15). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.