Jackson, MO planting zone & frost dates
Jackson is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 7 and the first fall frost around October 29, for a growing season of about 202 days.
Planting calendar for Jackson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 7) 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 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
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).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Apr 22 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 9 | Oct 29 | Oct 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 22, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 29.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Jackson
- 63755 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Cape Girardeau zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Sikeston zone 7b, last frost Mar 26
- Farmington zone 6b, last frost Apr 13
- Poplar Bluff zone 7b, last frost Mar 29
- Festus zone 7a, last frost Apr 9
- Kennett zone 7b, last frost Mar 31
- Oakville zone 7a, last frost Apr 6
- Arnold zone 7a, last frost Apr 6
Questions
What growing zone is Jackson, MO?
Jackson is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Jackson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Jackson is April 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 22.
When can I plant tomatoes in Jackson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 14 – Apr 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Jackson, MO (USC00234226), 0.5 km (0.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 134 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.