Willard, MO frost dates
How Willard compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Willard falls between March 26 and April 27, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 14 and November 9.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 201-day growing season is longer than 70% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 13 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 95 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Springfield, MO, 14 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 5 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 26 |
| 50% (median) | April 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 14 |
| 50% (median) | October 27 |
| 90% (late) | November 9 |
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 Willard, MO
Willard, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 9, first frost Oct 27, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Willard, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | Sep 1 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Okra | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Basil | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 13 – Nov 17 |
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 Springfield, MO weather station, 7 km away (elevation 1,280 ft (390 m)).
Frost dates near Willard
- Walnut Grove Apr 11 · Oct 24
- Bois D Arc Apr 11 · Oct 24
- Ash Grove Apr 11 · Oct 24
- Springfield Apr 4 · Oct 27
- Brookline Apr 9 · Oct 27
- Morrisville Apr 14 · Oct 23
- Republic Apr 15 · Oct 23
- Brighton Apr 14 · Oct 23
- Halltown Apr 11 · Oct 24
- Eudora Apr 14 · Oct 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Willard, MO?
The median last spring frost in Willard, MO is April 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Willard, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 14.
How long is the growing season in Willard, MO?
About 201 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Willard, MO?
Willard, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.