Chesterfield, MO planting zone & frost dates
Chesterfield is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 4 and the first fall frost around October 29, for a growing season of about 206 days.
Planting calendar for Chesterfield
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 4) 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: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 3 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 29).
Useful for zone 7a 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 20 | Apr 4 | Apr 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 11 | Oct 29 | Oct 15 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 15. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 25.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Chesterfield
- 63005 zone 6b
- 63006 zone 7a
- 63017 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Ballwin zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Manchester zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Wildwood zone 7a, last frost Apr 12
- Town and Country zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Saint Peters zone 6b, last frost Apr 9
- Saint Charles zone 7a, last frost Apr 8
- Creve Coeur zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Maryland Heights zone 7a, last frost Apr 2
Questions
What growing zone is Chesterfield, MO?
Chesterfield is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6b.
When is the last frost in Chesterfield?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Chesterfield is April 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Chesterfield?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 11 – Apr 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station St Charles 7 Ssw, MO (USC00237398), 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 137 m, based on 28 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.