Sikeston, MO planting zone & frost dates
Sikeston is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 26 and the first fall frost around November 6, for a growing season of about 225 days.
Planting calendar for Sikeston
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 26) 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: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 6).
Useful for zone 7b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 8 | Mar 26 | Apr 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 25 | Nov 6 | Oct 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 14.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Sikeston
- 63801 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Cape Girardeau zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Jackson zone 7a, last frost Apr 7
- Kennett zone 7b, last frost Mar 31
- Poplar Bluff zone 7b, last frost Mar 29
- Farmington zone 6b, last frost Apr 13
- Festus zone 7a, last frost Apr 9
- Arnold zone 7a, last frost Apr 6
- Oakville zone 7a, last frost Apr 6
Questions
What growing zone is Sikeston, MO?
Sikeston is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Sikeston?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Sikeston is March 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Sikeston?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 2 – Apr 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sikeston Pwr Stn, MO (USC00237772), 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 94 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.