Saint Thomas, MO frost dates
How Saint Thomas compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Saint Thomas falls between March 23 and April 23, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 17 and November 11.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 206-day growing season is longer than 83% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 14 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 106 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, MO, 65 km away, the last frost here is 3 days later than there and the growing season is 3 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 23 |
| 50% (median) | April 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 90% (late) | November 11 |
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 Saint Thomas, MO
Saint Thomas, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 8, first frost Oct 31, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Saint Thomas, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Mar 11 – Apr 15 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Basil | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 18 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 25 – Mar 18 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 4 – Apr 15 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | — | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | — | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 15 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 15 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 17 – Nov 21 |
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 Jefferson City Wtp, MO weather station, 22 km away (elevation 650 ft (198 m)).
Frost dates near Saint Thomas
- Henley Apr 7 · Nov 1
- Koeltztown Apr 8 · Oct 26
- Westphalia Apr 10 · Oct 26
- Saint Elizabeth Apr 8 · Oct 28
- Meta Apr 8 · Oct 26
- Eugene Apr 7 · Nov 1
- Argyle Apr 8 · Oct 26
- Jefferson City Apr 8 · Oct 31
- Loose Creek Apr 10 · Oct 26
- Freeburg Apr 8 · Oct 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Saint Thomas, MO?
The median last spring frost in Saint Thomas, MO is April 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Saint Thomas, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 17.
How long is the growing season in Saint Thomas, MO?
About 206 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Saint Thomas, MO?
Saint Thomas, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.