Potatoes are a staple in many gardens and households due to their ease of growth and versatility in the kitchen. Knowing when to plant potatoes can be key to ensuring a successful harvest.
In the US, planting times for potatoes vary according to USDA hardiness zones. Each zone has a different climate, which affects when you should plant, grow, and harvest your potatoes.
When to Plant Potatoes by Zones
Zones 1-3
- Planting: Late April to early May. It’s important to wait until the soil temperature has reached at least 45°F.
- Growing: During the summer months.
- Harvesting: From late August to early September, before the first frost hits.
Cold Climates – Zones 4-5
- Planting: Early to mid-April. Make sure the soil temperature is at least 45°F.
- Growing: Throughout the late spring and summer.
- Harvesting: Early to mid-September.
Moderate Climates – Zones 6-7
- Planting: Late March to early April.
- Growing: Spring to early summer.
- Harvesting: Late July to early August for early varieties and late September for late-season varieties.
Warm Climates – Zones 8-9
- Planting: Mid to late February or early March for a spring crop and again in August for a fall crop.
- Growing: Spring and fall, avoiding the hottest summer months.
- Harvesting: Late June for spring crops and December for fall crops.
Hot Climates – Zones 10-11
- Planting: Late January to early February for a spring crop and again in September for a fall/winter crop.
- Growing: During the cooler months, avoiding the peak of summer heat.
- Harvesting: May for spring crops and February of the following year for fall/winter crops.
Tips for Growing Potatoes Successfully:
- Soil Preparation: Potatoes prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.0 to 7.0.
- Sunlight: Ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Hilling: As potato plants grow, pile soil around the base of the plant to prevent sunlight from reaching the tubers, which can cause them to turn green and become toxic.
- Pest and Disease Management: Be on the lookout for common pests like potato beetles and diseases like blight. Rotate your crops to prevent disease buildup.
When to Plant Potatoes by State
| States | Zones | When to Plant | When to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 7-9 | Late March-April, August | Late July-September, December |
| Alaska | 1-4 | Late April-May | Late August-September |
| Arizona | 5-10 | Early April, September | September, February |
| Arkansas | 6-8 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| California | 5-11 | February-April, September | June-May, February |
| Colorado | 3-6 | Late April-May | September |
| Connecticut | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Delaware | 7 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| Florida | 8-11 | February, September | June, February |
| Georgia | 7-9 | Late March-April, August | Late July-September, December |
| Hawaii | 10-11 | January, September | May, February |
| Idaho | 4-7 | April | September |
| Illinois | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Indiana | 5-6 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Iowa | 4-6 | April | September |
| Kansas | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Kentucky | 6-7 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| Louisiana | 8-10 | February, August | June, December |
| Maine | 4-6 | April | September |
| Maryland | 6-8 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| Massachusetts | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Michigan | 4-6 | April | September |
| Minnesota | 3-5 | Late April-May | September |
| Mississippi | 7-9 | Late March-April, August | Late July-September, December |
| Missouri | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Montana | 3-5 | Late April-May | September |
| Nebraska | 4-6 | April | September |
| Nevada | 4-9 | April, August | September, December |
| New Hampshire | 4-6 | April | September |
| New Jersey | 6-7 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| New Mexico | 5-9 | Early April, August | September, December |
| New York | 4-7 | April | September |
| North Carolina | 6-8 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| North Dakota | 3-5 | Late April-May | September |
| Ohio | 5-6 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Oklahoma | 6-8 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| Oregon | 4-9 | April, August | September, December |
| Pennsylvania | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Rhode Island | 6 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| South Carolina | 7-9 | Late March-April, August | Late July-September, December |
| South Dakota | 4-5 | April | September |
| Tennessee | 6-8 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| Texas | 6-10 | Late March-April, August | Late July-December |
| Utah | 4-8 | April, August | September, December |
| Vermont | 4-5 | April | September |
| Virginia | 6-8 | Late March-April | Late July-September |
| Washington | 5-9 | Early April, August | September, December |
| West Virginia | 5-7 | Early to mid-April | September |
| Wisconsin | 3-5 | Late April-May | September |
| Wyoming | 3-6 | Late April-May | September |
This table provides a general guideline based on typical hardiness zones within each state. Some states have wide variations in zones, so always refer to local guidelines and monitor soil temperature for optimal planting conditions.
By understanding the specific needs of your hardiness zone, you can optimize your potato planting schedule and enjoy a bountiful harvest!
You may also enjoy these article on potatoes:
- Growing Potatoes in Bags and Containers
- How to Plant Potatoes With Sprouts
- Planting Potatoes in Fall
- How to Grow Purple Majesty Potatoes
Happy Planting!
I’m LeAura Alderson, a garden, herb and plant enthusiast with a passion for discovering the many edible and medicinal benefits of the plants all around us, including the weeds! I’m a writer, editor and media publisher for our family of websites.
While I was certified in fitness and life coaching, I am NOT a health practitioner. However, I’m a lifelong health enthusiast, with a keen interest in healthy, organic foods and making home remedies and the content we share is from our own experience and usage as well as that extracted from scientific research so that you can explore further on your own.
Always seek the advice and guidance of your health practitioners first and foremost.
As a family we’re steadily expanding our gardening, experimentation and knowledge around all things gardening, edible landscaping, fresh organic foods and self sustainability with farming in our future. I also own and manage iCreateDaily.com, a site all about transformation through creation, and the power of positivity, optimism and mindset.