Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Parma, MO
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Parma, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 12 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 8 | Mar 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 29 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 17 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 5 | Feb 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 15 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 3 | Nov 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | Dec 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 |
| 20°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 24 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Malden Muni Ap, Mo, about 8.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 290 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Parma, MO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Parma, MO is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Parma, MO typically arrives about Nov 3. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 29 on average, or Mar 12 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 221 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 63870 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026