When to plant Hostas in Lincoln County, MO
Plant Hostas in Lincoln County, between April 18 and May 2 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (196 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Hostas in Lincoln County, MO
Hostas (Hosta spp.) are the undisputed kings of the shade garden, grown primarily for their spectacular mounded foliage in shades of deep green, blue-green, gold, and variegated combinations. Originating in East Asia (Japan, China, Korea), hostas form dense, long-lived clumps that reliably return year after year with minimal care. In summer, tall scapes of lavender or white tubular flowers rise above the foliage — some cultivars (notably H. plantaginea hybrids) are notably fragrant. Extremely adaptable in moist, well-drained soil with consistent shade to part shade.
Lincoln County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 1,005 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Hostas during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Hostas Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, MO
Hostas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Bloom | July 4 | Jul 4 – Oct 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Lincoln County
Plant bare-root crowns or divisions in early spring just as new growth emerges, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade in Zones 6+; deeper shade is acceptable but reduces vigor and bloom. Keep consistently moist but never waterlogged. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Slugs are the primary pest — use iron phosphate bait if damage is significant. Deer will browse hostas heavily in most regions; protect with fencing or repellents. Divide every 3–5 years in spring to rejuvenate. Fall planting (Zones 4+) is equally effective as spring planting when soil stays workable. Year 2+ plants reach full size and flower most reliably; first-year divisions may produce limited flower spikes.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hostas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hostas in Lincoln County, MO?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Hostas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, MO?
Lincoln County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Hostas in Lincoln County, MO?
In Lincoln County, MO, plant Hostas after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lincoln County, MO for Hostas?
Lincoln County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Hostas grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Hostas grow in Lincoln County's climate?
Yes — Hostas grows well in Lincoln County's temperate climate. Lincoln County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 24.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.