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

Planting zone for 64742 — Drexel, MO

ZIP code 64742 (Drexel, Bates County) is in USDA zone 6b: the coldest winter night averages −5 to 0 °F. The median last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost October 23.

Where ZIP 64742 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.

Zone6b−5 to 0 °F

Coldest night−20.6 to −17.8 °C

Last frostApr 12

First frostOct 23

2012 zone6a

Was 6a 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 6b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Drexel, 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 Drexel, MO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 12median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 28only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 23median — 10% chance by Oct 9

Growing season192 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 2 and returns around November 1.

From the NOAA station Butler 4w, MO — 19 miles away, elevation 791 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 64742

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 1 – Mar 22

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 1 – Feb 15

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 22 – Apr 5

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 22 – Apr 5

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 22 – Apr 5

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 15 – Mar 1

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 19 – May 3

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 1 – Feb 15

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 26 – May 10

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 28 – Sep 11

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 9 – Nov 13

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 12) and first fall frost (Oct 23) 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 64742 came on Feb 24 — 20 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 16).

average
Mar 162026
Feb 24

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 6b in Missouri

525 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 6b. 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 Drexel, MO.

Soil in Drexel, MO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 64742 is Kenoma — silt loam, moderately well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.4slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3.2%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classPrime farmland if drainedUSDA classification

Map unit: Kenoma silt loam, 4 to 7 percent slopes.

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 64742; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Drexel, MO

Summer high90 °Faverage high, July

Winter low20 °Faverage low, January

Hot days47days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights111nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days4,191base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 51 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 28 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation43.5 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: Butler 4w, MO (19 mi away); precipitation: Harrisonville 0.4 W, MO (14 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 6b.

Amsterdam, MO · 10 mi

647346b

Cleveland, MO · 10 mi

647206b

Adrian, MO · 13 mi

647016b

Harrisonville, MO · 14 mi

640786b

Peculiar, MO · 14 mi

Missouri planting zones →

Questions about 64742

What planting zone is ZIP code 64742?

ZIP code 64742 (Drexel, MO) is in USDA hardiness zone 6b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −5 to 0 °F (−20.6 to −17.8 °C).

When is the last frost in Drexel, MO?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 64742 is April 12; after April 28 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Butler 4w station.

When is the first frost in Drexel, MO?

The median first fall frost near 64742 is October 23, giving a median frost-free growing season of 192 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 64742?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 15 – Mar 1 and set transplants outside around Apr 19 – May 3, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 64742 get?

About 43.5 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Harrisonville 0.4 W station).

How hot do summers get in Drexel, MO?

The average high peaks at 90 °F in July, with about 47 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 64742 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Kenoma at the center of ZIP 64742: silt loam, moderately well drained, pH about 6.4 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Drexel, MO in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 64742 came on Feb 24 in 2026, 20 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 16), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Drexel, MO?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 64742 is 14 h 51 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 64742 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 64742 in zone 6a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.