When to plant okra in Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant okra shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 9 in Sikeston to May 5 in Kirksville — below are local dates for 87 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 6b | April 4 | November 2 | April 18 – May 2 |
| St. Louis | 7a | April 1 | November 4 | April 15 – April 29 |
| Springfield | 7a | April 4 | October 27 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Columbia | 6b | April 5 | October 31 | April 19 – May 3 |
| Independence | 6b | April 10 | October 27 | April 24 – May 8 |
| Lee's Summit | 6b | April 7 | October 29 | April 21 – May 5 |
| O'Fallon | 6b | April 10 | October 26 | April 24 – May 8 |
| St. Charles | 6b | April 8 | October 29 | April 22 – May 6 |
Okra in Missouri: FAQ
When can I plant okra in Missouri?
Across Missouri, the time to direct-sow okra spans roughly April 9 in Sikeston to May 5 in Kirksville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the okra planting date vary across Missouri?
Yes. Missouri publishes 87 cities with their own frost dates, so the right okra planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does okra take to grow in Missouri?
Okra takes about 55–65 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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