When to plant in Joplin, MO
USDA Zone 7aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Joplin, Missouri — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
Zone 7a means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Joplin, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
JOPLIN REGIONAL AIRPORT · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Joplin’s own odds, recorded at JOPLIN REGIONAL AIRPORT.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 6 | Apr 21 | Apr 4 | Oct 3 | Oct 18 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Apr 26 | Apr 9 | Mar 24 | Oct 12 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Apr 16 | Mar 29 | Mar 10 | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 22 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Joplin, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 21 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Joplin planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Joplin, MO?
On average, the last spring frost in Joplin is around April 9 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Joplin, MO?
Expect Joplin's first fall frost near October 27 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is Joplin in?
Joplin is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. In zone 7a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Joplin?
There are roughly 201 frost-free days in Joplin (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 9 to the first fall frost near October 27.
When should I plant tomatoes in Joplin?
In Joplin, start tomato seeds indoors around February 12–February 26, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 16 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Joplin
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Joplin’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Webb City · 8 km
- Carthage · 18 km
- Neosho · 28 km
- Miami · 39 km
- Pittsburg · 41 km
- Bella Vista · 71 km
- Centerton · 82 km
- Bentonville · 84 km
Frost dates recorded at JOPLIN REGIONAL AIRPORT, 8 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Joplin, MO — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00013987. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/missouri/joplin.