Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 63841 — Dexter, MO

ZIP code 63841 (Dexter, Stoddard County) is in USDA zone 7b: the coldest winter night averages 5 to 10 °F. The median last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost November 3.

Where ZIP 63841 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone7b5 to 10 °F

Coldest night−15 to −12.2 °C

Last frostMar 29

First frostNov 3

2012 zone7a

Was 7a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 7b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Dexter, MO…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Dexter, MO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 29median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 12only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 3median — 10% chance by Oct 23

Growing season221 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 17 and returns around November 15.

From the NOAA station Malden Municipal Airport, MO — 12 miles away, elevation 289 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 63841

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 15 – Mar 1

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 15 – Mar 8

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 18 – Feb 1

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 8 – Mar 22

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 1 – Feb 15

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 18 – Feb 1

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 12 – Apr 26

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 8 – Sep 22

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 20 – Nov 24

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 29) and first fall frost (Nov 3) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 63841 came on Mar 1 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Mar 3).

average
Mar 32026
Mar 1

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 7b in Missouri

542 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Missouri, and rated by the USDA to survive 5 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 7b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Dexter, MO.

Soil in Dexter, MO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 63841 is Memphis — silt loam, well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH5.3strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.7%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Memphis silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 63841; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Dexter, MO

Summer high92 °Faverage high, July

Winter low27 °Faverage low, January

Hot days59days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights77nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,023base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 41 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 38 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation50.7 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Malden Municipal Airport, MO (12 mi away); precipitation: Bloomfield 2.9 S, MO (6 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Bloomfield, MO · 11 mi

638507b

Grayridge, MO · 12 mi

Missouri planting zones →

Questions about 63841

What planting zone is ZIP code 63841?

ZIP code 63841 (Dexter, MO) is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 5 to 10 °F (−15 to −12.2 °C).

When is the last frost in Dexter, MO?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 63841 is March 29; after April 12 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Malden Municipal Airport station.

When is the first frost in Dexter, MO?

The median first fall frost near 63841 is November 3, giving a median frost-free growing season of 221 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 63841?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 1 – Feb 15 and set transplants outside around Apr 5 – Apr 19, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 63841 get?

About 50.7 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Bloomfield 2.9 S station).

How hot do summers get in Dexter, MO?

The average high peaks at 92 °F in July, with about 59 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 63841 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Memphis at the center of ZIP 63841: silt loam, well drained, pH about 5.3 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Dexter, MO in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 63841 came on Mar 1 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Mar 3), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Dexter, MO?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 63841 is 14 h 41 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 63841 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 63841 in zone 7a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 7b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.