HomeCities › Springfield

What Grows in Springfield, MO?

Springfield in the Missouri Ozarks has a productive climate with the warmth of the south meeting Ozark terrain.

Zone

USDA 6a

Last frost

April 10

First frost

October 20

Frost-free days

172
Quick Answer

Springfield is in USDA Zone 6a with about 172 frost-free days, and you can grow tomatoes, peppers, peaches, apples, and more here.

Planting tips for Springfield

Ozark region. Good for apples and peaches. Plant warm crops April 10.

What to plant, and when

Timing by your frost dates — last frost April 10, first frost October 20.

🌱 Start indoors (pre-frost)

Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Cucumber, Zucchini, Eggplant, Pumpkin

❄️ Direct-sow early (cool season)

Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Carrot, Radish, Beets, Onion

☀️ Plant after last frost

Green Beans, Potato, Sweet Potato, Corn, Microgreens, Rhubarb

🍂 Plant in fall

Garlic

What grows well in Springfield

USDA Zone 6a

Frequently asked questions

What hardiness zone is Springfield, MO in?

Springfield, MO is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. This drives everything about what you can reliably grow — it maps directly to how cold your winters get.

When is the last frost in Springfield?

The average last spring frost in Springfield is around April 10, and the first fall frost is typically October 20. Plan to move tender plants outside after April 10 and have them harvested (or protected) before October 20.

What grows well in Springfield?

Plenty — Springfield's USDA Zone 6a climate supports 30+ crops. Some of the easiest and most reliable here are Cherry Tomato, Chili Pepper, Cucumber.

How long is Springfield's growing season?

Springfield typically has around 172 frost-free days per year (roughly April 10 to October 20). That's a full season — plenty of time for most annual vegetables plus a succession or fall crop of cool-season greens.

What should I plant first in Springfield?

Go with fast-maturing crops to get a quick win while the season is short: Microgreens, Arugula, Radish are among the quickest from seed to harvest in Springfield.

Can I grow vegetables in containers in Springfield?

Yes — Springfield's climate is container-friendly for the right crops. Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Bell Pepper all do well in pots, which also lets you start them a little earlier and move them in on cold nights.

When should I start seeds indoors in Springfield?

For warm-season crops like Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Bell Pepper, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost (around April 10), then transplant after the danger of frost has passed.