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

Planting zone for 65461 — Duke, MO

ZIP code 65461 (Duke, Phelps County) is in USDA zone 6b: the coldest winter night averages −5 to 0 °F. The median last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost October 24.

Where ZIP 65461 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 14

First frostOct 24

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 Duke, 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 Duke, MO

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 14median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 30only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 24median — 10% chance by Oct 11

Growing season193 daysfrost-free, median

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

From the NOAA station Ft Leonard Wood, MO — 6 miles away, elevation 1,122 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 65461

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 3 – Mar 24

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 3 – Feb 17

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 24 – Apr 7

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 24 – Apr 7

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 24 – Apr 7

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 17 – Mar 3

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 21 – May 5

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 3 – Feb 17

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 28 – May 12

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 21 – May 5

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 21 – May 5

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 21 – May 5

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 29 – Sep 12

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 10 – Nov 14

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 14) and first fall frost (Oct 24) 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 65461 came on Feb 28 — 11 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 11).

average
Mar 112026
Feb 28

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 Duke, MO.

Soil in Duke, MO

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 65461 is Bender — very cobbly fine sandy loam, somewhat excessively drained.

TextureVery cobbly fine sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH4.7strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat excessively drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.4%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Bender-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony.

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 65461; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Duke, MO

Summer high88 °Faverage high, July

Winter low22 °Faverage low, January

Hot days35days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights111nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,947base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 46 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 33 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation46.6 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: Ft Leonard Wood, MO (6 mi away); precipitation: Fort Leonard Wood 5.4 Se, MO (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 6b.

654366b

Beulah, MO · 5 mi

654736b

Fort Leonard Wood, MO · 7 mi

654626b

Edgar Springs, MO · 9 mi

654576b

Devils Elbow, MO · 10 mi

655846b

Saint Robert, MO · 11 mi

Missouri planting zones →

Questions about 65461

What planting zone is ZIP code 65461?

ZIP code 65461 (Duke, 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 Duke, MO?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 65461 is April 14; after April 30 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Ft Leonard Wood station.

When is the first frost in Duke, MO?

The median first fall frost near 65461 is October 24, giving a median frost-free growing season of 193 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 65461?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 17 – Mar 3 and set transplants outside around Apr 21 – May 5, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 65461 get?

About 46.6 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Fort Leonard Wood 5.4 Se station).

How hot do summers get in Duke, MO?

The average high peaks at 88 °F in July, with about 35 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 65461 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Bender at the center of ZIP 65461: very cobbly fine sandy loam, somewhat excessively drained, pH about 4.7 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Duke, MO in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 65461 came on Feb 28 in 2026, 11 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 11), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Duke, MO?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 65461 is 14 h 46 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 65461 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 65461 in zone 6a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.