When to Plant Ginger in Missouri

Growing Ginger in Missouri: Complete Guide

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Missouri's last frost. Most Missouri gardeners begin seeds indoors around Friday, January 30, 2026 and move transplants outside around Friday, May 8, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.

Because Missouri stretches across 6 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 270 days to maturity, Ginger needs the indoor head start that Missouri's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.

Ginger requires partial shade (3-5 hours) and moderate-high (consistent moisture) moisture. Most of Missouri receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Missouri.