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When to Plant Black Beans in Hickory County, MO

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Hickory County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 950 feet, Hickory County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.

Hickory County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Hickory County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Hickory County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Black Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Hickory County, MO

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 8
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Sep 4

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

195 days in Hickory County

Growing Tips for Hickory County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Hickory County, MO?

Hickory County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hickory County, MO?

Hickory County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hickory County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hickory County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.