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Missouri Planting Guide & Growing Season

Missouri is in USDA hardiness zone with a growing season of 185 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 1 - Apr 30 and the average first fall frost is Oct 1 - Oct 31.

USDA Zone Hardiness zone
Last Frost Apr 1 - Apr 30 Average spring
First Frost Oct 1 - Oct 31 Average fall
Growing Season 185 days Moderate season

Growing Conditions in Missouri

USDA Hardiness Zone
Average Last FrostApr 1 - Apr 30
Average First FrostOct 1 - Oct 31
Growing Season Length185 days

How Missouri Compares

Compare Missouri's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.

StateUSDA ZoneLast FrostFirst FrostSeason (days)
Missouri (MO) Apr 1 - Apr 30Oct 1 - Oct 31185
Alabama (AL) Mar 1 - Apr 1Oct 25 - Nov 15220
Alaska (AK) May 15 - Jun 15Aug 15 - Sep 15105
Arizona (AZ) Feb 1 - Apr 15Oct 15 - Dec 15270
Arkansas (AR) Mar 15 - Apr 15Oct 15 - Nov 1210
California (CA) Jan 15 - Apr 15Oct 15 - Dec 31290

Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Missouri

When should I start seeds indoors in Missouri?

In Missouri, the average last frost date is Apr 1 - Apr 30. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Missouri is undefined, with a growing season of approximately 185 days.

What USDA hardiness zone is Missouri?

Missouri falls in USDA hardiness zones undefined. 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 1 - Oct 31. 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 185 days, from the last frost (Apr 1 - Apr 30) to first frost (Oct 1 - Oct 31). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.

Plan Your Garden

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