When to plant potatoes
Potatoes tolerate light frost, so plant outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
Potatoes dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Plant seed potatoes | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
|---|---|
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jul 3 |
| Soil temperature | 45°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 70–120 |
| Spacing | 12 in apart in rows 30 in apart |
Your potato year
- Plant seed potatoes
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for potatoes
- Plant certified seed potatoes, not grocery potatoes, which may carry disease or sprout inhibitors.
- Shoots that emerge before a late frost can be covered with soil or row cover; the tubers below are safe.
- Hill soil around stems when plants are 6–8 in tall so tubers are not exposed to light.
When to plant potatoes in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Plant / sow |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Mar 2–16 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Mar 13–27 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Jan 5–19 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Dec 8–22 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Mar 2–16 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Feb 2–16 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Feb 13–27 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | Apr 2–16 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Mar 7–21 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Mar 7–21 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Mar 4–18 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Mar 3–17 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Mar 2–16 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
Potatoes planting FAQ
When should I plant potatoes?
Potatoes tolerate light frost, so plant outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
How many days until potatoes are ready to harvest?
Most potato varieties take about 70–120 days from planting. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can potatoes survive frost?
A light frost, yes; a hard freeze below about 28°F can damage them. Cover young plants on very cold nights.
How far apart should I plant potatoes?
Space potatoes 12 in apart in rows 30 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant potatoes?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost, allowing a week or two extra because potatoes tolerate light frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing potatoes
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.