What to plant in December in Missouri
In Missouri (MO), December sits about 17 weeks before the average last frost (April 15). The state averages 186 frost-free days a year (last frost April 15, first frost October 18; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in December - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Missouri frost dates (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 18). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Missouri.
Missouri: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Missouri
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Missouri: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Missouri
Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in October so they go through a cooling process over the winter. Daffodils are the best choice for Missouri because they handle the warmer temperatures and keep blooming year after year. Tulips will likely need to be replanted every couple of years. Hyacinths adapt worst: temperatures rise too quickly in spring for the bulbs to store food, so they tend to decline after the first year. (University of Missouri Extension) ↗
A planning month: December garden jobs in Missouri
- Order seed while stock is good. Missouri's average last frost is April 15, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 21 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - December is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Missouri in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Missouri in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Missouri in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Missouri have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 18.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Missouri in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Missouri have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 11.
When is the first frost in Missouri?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 18 and the last spring frost around April 15. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
When should I plant spring bulbs in Missouri?
Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in October so they go through a cooling process over the winter. Daffodils are the best choice for Missouri because they handle the warmer temperatures and keep blooming year after year. Tulips will likely need to be replanted every couple of years. Hyacinths adapt worst: temperatures rise too quickly in spring for the bulbs to store food, so they tend to decline after the first year. (University of Missouri Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Missouri’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.