Knowing your hardiness zone is key when choosing the right plants for your yard. Missouri’s vast territory comprises hardiness zones 5b to 8a. Let’s dive into each zone and where it is located to help you create a thriving landscape around your home.
What planting zone is Missouri?
Missouri falls within planting zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and 8a. The largest portion of the state falls within zone 6b. See the Missouri planting zone map below:
Zone 5b
Comprising the northernmost counties of Missouri, zone 5b has an extreme average minimum of -15 F to -10 F. It is the coldest part of the state and encompasses counties like Atchison, Nodaway, and Putnam.
Zone 6a
Zone 6a has extreme minimums of -10 F to -5 F. It starts at the upper counties of the state’s northeast region, including Clark and Scotland counties, and extends down until part of Pike County. This zone also extends west, from Ralls County to the upper part of Platte County.
Zone 6b
With minimum averages of -5 F to 0 F, zone 6b occupies the largest portion of Missouri. It comprises central Missouri and the southern portions of the northwest and northeast of the state. It also covers the northern parts of southwest and southeast Missouri. Zone 6b encompasses Columbia and a few other notable cities:
- Butler
- Warrensburg
- Marshall
- Sedalia
- California
- Jefferson City
- Salem
- Farmington
- Fredericktown
Zone 7a
Zone 7a has extreme minimum averages of 0 F to 5 F. It covers the eastern border of Missouri, starting at Saint Louis County and going down until the upper border of Mississippi County. It spreads west from Cape Girardeau County to the southern portion of Wayne and Carter counties, and then travels from Ripley County west to McDonald County.
It also covers the extreme southwest corner of the state, from McDonald and Barry counties to the lower portion of Vernon and Cedar counties.
Zone 7b
With extreme minimums of 5 F to 10 F, zone 7b goes from Charleston, extends to New Madrid, and reaches most of Pemiscot and Dunklin counties. It also spreads west from the south of Scott County to the middle of Stoddard and Butler counties and a small portion of Ripley County.
Zone 8a
The warmest zone in the state, with minimum averages from 10 F to 15 F, zone 8a covers the southernmost border of Missouri, in the south regions of Pemiscot and Dunklin counties.
FAQ about planting zones in Missouri
What planting zone is southwest Missouri?
Southwest Missouri comprises zones 6b and 7a.
What zone is Saint Louis, Missouri, for planting?
The city of Saint Louis, Missouri, falls under zone 7a. Saint Louis County also falls under zone 7a, but some parts of the border fall under zone 6b.
What zone is Springfield, Missouri, for planting?
Springfield is located in zones 6b and 7a.
What planting zone is Kansas City, Missouri?
Kansas City, Missouri, is in hardiness zone 6b.
Other Missouri resources
If you’d like to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Missouri, visit our other articles:
- When to Plant Grass Seed in Missouri
- Missouri Native Plants for Your Landscape
- Missouri Wildflowers for Your Garden
- Month-by-Month Lawn Care Calendar for Missouri
- The Best Grass Seed for Missouri Lawns
When to call a pro
Too busy to mow your lawn? Or maybe you just don’t want to get your hands dirty. Independently of your motives, know that you can count on a Missouri lawn care pro to help you out. We have qualified professionals in St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and throughout Missouri. Get in touch today.
Main Image Credit: MARELBU | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0
