Jefferson City, MO planting zone & frost dates
Jefferson City is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 8 and the first fall frost around October 31, for a growing season of about 205 days.
Planting calendar for Jefferson City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 8) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 31).
Useful for zone 6b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 23 | Apr 8 | Apr 23 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 11 | Oct 31 | Oct 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 23, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 28.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Jefferson City
- 65101 zone 6b
- 65102 zone 6b
- 65103 zone 6b
- 65104 zone 6b
- 65105 zone 6b
- 65106 zone 6b
- 65107 zone 6b
- 65108 zone 6b
- 65109 zone 6b
- 65110 zone 6b
- 65111 zone 6b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Jefferson City, MO?
Jefferson City is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Jefferson City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Jefferson City is April 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 23.
When can I plant tomatoes in Jefferson City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 15 – Apr 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Jefferson City Wtp, MO (USC00234271), 1.2 km (0.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 198 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.