When to plant cucumbers in Missouri
Missouri’s average last spring frost is April 15, and the first fall frost typically arrives around October 18 — about 186 frost-free days (USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a). Cucumber needs 50–70 days to mature, which fits comfortably within Missouri's growing season.
When to plant cucumbers in Missouri: the short answer
For a spring planting, plant out Apr 22 – May 9, with seeds started indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1. Wait until the soil is at least 60°F and frost is over.
Succession sow again in Missouri: May 20 · Jun 10 · Jul 1 · Jul 22 · Aug 12
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow cucumbers in Missouri, step by step
- Start seeds indoors (Mar 18 – Apr 1). Sow seeds 1 inch deep in seed-starting mix under bright light. They take 3-10 days to sprout, fastest in soil around 85°F. Harden seedlings off for a week before they go outside.
- Prepare the bed. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day and loose soil at least 14 inches deep, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Plant out (Apr 22 – May 9). Space plants about 12 inches apart in rows 48 inches apart. It is killed by frost, so nothing goes outside until the danger has passed.
- Water and feed. It needs plenty of water; keep the soil evenly moist and never let it dry out.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: striped cucumber beetle, squash bug, aphids, spider mite. Diseases and disorders: powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, angular leaf spot.
- Harvest (from about Jun 18 – Jul 8). Cucumber takes 50-70 days to reach harvest. Resents root disturbance - if starting indoors use peat/paper pots. Trellising doubles the plants per square foot and cuts disease. A second sowing in midsummer beats early beetle pressure.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use Missouri’s average frost dates. More in the full cucumber growing guide.
Cucumber planting dates by USDA zone in 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, so the cucumber dates shift with them.
When to plant cucumbers in nearby states
Questions gardeners in Missouri ask
When is the best time to plant cucumbers in Missouri?
Plant cucumber transplants outdoors in Missouri between April 22 and May 9. That timing is set by Missouri's average last spring frost of April 15.
When should I start cucumber seeds indoors in Missouri?
Start seeds indoors between March 18 and April 1, about 3 weeks before the last frost, so the seedlings are ready to plant out from April 22.
Can I plant cucumbers in the fall in Missouri?
Yes. For a fall crop, sow between July 16 and August 2, so the crop matures in cool weather before Missouri's first frost around October 18.
When will cucumbers planted in Missouri be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, cucumbers are usually ready from about June 18 to July 8, 50-70 days after planting.
When is the last frost in Missouri?
On average around April 15, with the first fall frost around October 18 - about 186 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.