Independence, MO planting zone & frost dates
Independence is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 10 and the first fall frost around October 27, for a growing season of about 198 days.
Planting calendar for Independence
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 10) 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 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 1 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 27).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 29 | Apr 10 | Apr 26 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 8 | Oct 27 | Oct 14 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 26, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 14. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Independence
- 64050 zone 6b
- 64051 zone 6b
- 64052 zone 6b
- 64053 zone 6b
- 64054 zone 6b
- 64055 zone 6b
- 64056 zone 6b
- 64057 zone 6b
- 64058 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Raytown zone 6b, last frost Apr 10
- Blue Springs zone 6b, last frost Apr 7
- Liberty zone 6a, last frost Apr 19
- Kansas City zone 6b, last frost Apr 4
- Gladstone zone 6b, last frost Apr 4
- Lee's Summit zone 6b, last frost Apr 13
- Grain Valley zone 6b, last frost Apr 7
- Grandview zone 6b, last frost Apr 7
Questions
What growing zone is Independence, MO?
Independence is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6a.
When is the last frost in Independence?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Independence is April 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 26.
When can I plant tomatoes in Independence?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 17 – Apr 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Independence, MO (USC00234154), 3.9 km (2.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 300 m, based on 29 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.