When to plant popcorn in Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 26 in Sikeston to April 21 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 4 – April 18 |
| St. Louis | 7a | April 1 | November 4 | April 1 – April 15 |
| Springfield | 7a | April 4 | October 27 | April 4 – April 18 |
| Columbia | 6b | April 5 | October 31 | April 5 – April 19 |
| Independence | 6b | April 10 | October 27 | April 10 – April 24 |
| Lee's Summit | 6b | April 7 | October 29 | April 7 – April 21 |
| O'Fallon | 6b | April 10 | October 26 | April 10 – April 24 |
| St. Charles | 6b | April 8 | October 29 | April 8 – April 22 |
Popcorn in Missouri: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in Missouri?
Across Missouri, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly March 26 in Sikeston to April 21 in Kirksville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across Missouri?
Yes. Missouri publishes 87 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn 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 popcorn take to grow in Missouri?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 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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