Florence, MO frost dates
How Florence compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Florence falls between March 25 and April 26, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 12 and November 7.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 199-day growing season is longer than 60% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 12 days earlier than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 94 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, MO, 70 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 10 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 25 |
| 50% (median) | April 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 12 |
| 50% (median) | October 26 |
| 90% (late) | November 7 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Florence, MO
Florence, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 26, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Florence, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Mar 13 – Apr 17 | Aug 31 – Sep 28 |
| Kale | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Okra | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Basil | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 17 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 12 – Nov 16 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Sedalia Mem Ap, MO weather station, 19 km away (elevation 899 ft (274 m)).
Frost dates near Florence
- Syracuse Apr 8 · Oct 29
- Smithton Apr 10 · Oct 26
- Otterville Apr 10 · Oct 26
- Fortuna Apr 8 · Oct 29
- Stover Apr 8 · Oct 29
- Tipton Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Mora Apr 13 · Oct 23
- Sedalia Apr 18 · Oct 22
- Cole Camp Apr 13 · Oct 23
- Versailles Apr 8 · Oct 29
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Florence, MO?
The median last spring frost in Florence, MO is April 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Florence, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 12.
How long is the growing season in Florence, MO?
About 199 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Florence, MO?
Florence, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.