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

Planting zone for 65250 — Franklin, MO

ZIP code 65250 (Franklin, Howard County) is in USDA zone 6b: the coldest winter night averages −5 to 0 °F. The median last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost October 22.

Where ZIP 65250 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 13

First frostOct 22

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 Franklin, 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 Franklin, MO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 13median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 29only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 22median — 10% chance by Oct 7

Growing season191 daysfrost-free, median

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

From the NOAA station New Franklin 1w, MO — 4 miles away, elevation 640 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 65250

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 23

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 2 – Feb 16

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 23 – Apr 6

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 20 – May 4

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 2 – Feb 16

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 27 – May 11

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 27 – Sep 10

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 8 – Nov 12

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 13) and first fall frost (Oct 22) 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 65250 came on Mar 6 — 12 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 18).

average
Mar 182026
Mar 6

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 Franklin, MO.

Soil in Franklin, MO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 65250 is Menfro — silt loam, well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH5.5moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Menfro silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, 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 65250; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Franklin, MO

Summer high87 °Faverage high, July

Winter low18 °Faverage low, January

Hot days31days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights113nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,851base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 55 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 25 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation41.5 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall10 inper year; 12 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: New Franklin 1w, MO (4 mi away); precipitation: New Franklin 1w, MO (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 6b.

653206b

Arrow Rock, MO · 6 mi

653226b

Blackwater, MO · 8 mi

652746b

New Franklin, MO · 8 mi

652336b

Boonville, MO · 10 mi

Pilot Grove, MO · 14 mi

Missouri planting zones →

Questions about 65250

What planting zone is ZIP code 65250?

ZIP code 65250 (Franklin, 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 Franklin, MO?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 65250 is April 13; after April 29 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, New Franklin 1w station.

When is the first frost in Franklin, MO?

The median first fall frost near 65250 is October 22, giving a median frost-free growing season of 191 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 65250?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 16 – Mar 2 and set transplants outside around Apr 20 – May 4, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 65250 get?

About 41.5 inches of precipitation a year and 10 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, New Franklin 1w station).

How hot do summers get in Franklin, MO?

The average high peaks at 87 °F in July, with about 31 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 65250 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Menfro at the center of ZIP 65250: silt loam, well drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Franklin, MO in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 65250 came on Mar 6 in 2026, 12 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 18), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Franklin, MO?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 65250 is 14 h 55 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 65250 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 65250 in zone 6a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.