When to plant potatoes
Short answer
Plant potatoes about 2 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 1. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | Jan 1 | Apr 1 |
| Zone 2 | — | Feb 1 | May 2 |
| Zone 3 | — | Feb 24 | May 25 |
| Zone 4 | — | Mar 16 | Jun 14 |
| Zone 5 | — | Apr 1 | Jun 30 |
| Zone 6 | — | Apr 16 | Jul 15 |
| Zone 7 | — | May 1 | Jul 30 |
| Zone 8 | — | May 18 | Aug 16 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Potatoes is a semi-hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
Open the planting calendarOther crops
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant potatoes?
Sow potatoes directly about 2 weeks before your last spring frost — it tolerates cold. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Mar 16; in a colder zone 6, Apr 16.
Can I direct sow potatoes?
Yes — potatoes is usually sown directly in the garden rather than started indoors.
How long until potatoes is ready to harvest?
About 90 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around Apr 16 are typically ready near Jul 15.