USDA Missouri Hardiness Zones: 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Missouri, a state full of beautiful mountain ranges and the Missouri River, is known for being the geographical center of the United States. Because Missouri is close to the center of the country and experiences a variety of weather patterns, it is marked by four distinct seasons.
Unlike other states with mild winters and hot summers, Missouri’s continental climate gives the state cold winters and long, hot summers.
The continental climate classifies Missouri into five different plant hardiness zones. Missouri’s plant hardiness zones are 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b.
Missouri Planting Zone – A Quick Overview
- If you live in the northern portion of the state, such as Kirksville, you live in the 5b planting zone. All counties along the Iowa border are also in planting zone 5b.
- The plant hardiness zone of the middle of the state is classified as 6a. Cities such as Jefferson City, Warrensburg, and Farmington are considered USDA zone 6a.
- The southern portion of the state, including Springfield, is classified as planting zone 6b.
- The far southeastern corner of the state, meaning the counties of New Madrid and Scott, are considered growing zones 7a.
- There is a small section of planting zone 7b in the southernmost corner of the state encompassing Hornersville and Cooter.
Using the Missouri Growing Zones Map
Many people find time spent in their garden is time well spent. But, if you are attempting to grow plants not suited for your planting zone, you might find yourself aggravated with your low success rates. This doesn’t have to be the case, though. You can have a thriving garden! You just need the correct information before you get started planting.
If you want your garden to be prosperous, you need to determine your growing zone (also called hardiness zones, gardening zones, and planting zones). Fortunately, it is not hard to decide on the growing zone of your planting space.
In 2012, the USDA created the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Almost all nurseries, farmers, and planters reference the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map or reference information gathered from the map. The map will provide you with critical information to help you select the most appropriate plants for your growing zone.
Using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is easy. All you need to know is the general area of the state of Missouri or the exact address of your garden or field. Click on the state of Missouri to see a broad overview of the growing zones of the state.
Enter your address and zip code in the search bar for a more precise description of your growing zone. Use the legend on the side of the map to select your planting zone. Each gardening zone is color-coded, making it extremely easy to tell the differences in growing zones.
Explore Our Complete US Hardiness Zone Map
Missouri’s gardening zones vary depending upon your location in the state. The average minimum temperature determines planting zones. If you live in Kirksville, you may see temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. But, if you live in Poplar Bluff, you may see temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
This information is vital to know when choosing plants for your garden space. It is also important to consider the micro-climate of your garden. The micro-climate of your garden may be different than the surrounding area.
You may see lower or higher temperatures in your area or more rain, making the area more humid. Humidity, dew, temperature, soil type, and evaporation rates affect the micro-climate.
Missouri: The Geographical Center of the United States
There are approximately 170 days of the year that are prime growing days in Missouri. It’s usually safe to begin planting around the end of April. If you live in Missouri, you’ll typically see the last year’s last frost around the end of April or the beginning of May. Keep an eye on your local weather for information about the last frost.
Missouri’s four seasons mean that you can grow cool-season vegetables and warm-season vegetables. Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and collard greens in the cool season. Consider planting sweet corn, eggplants, and cucumbers when the temperature gets warm.
If flowers are more your thing, coneflowers, butterfly weed, and Lenten roses are attractive options. G&G Lawncare and Tree Service, near St. Louis, Missouri, recommends planting papaw trees, serviceberry trees, and Eastern Redbud trees to enhance your landscape.
