When to plant potato 🥔
Potato takes 70–110 days to mature, spaced 12" apart at 4" deep. Direct-sow only — does not transplant well.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 11 – June 8 | August 10 – September 14 |
| Zone 4 | May 1 – May 29 | July 31 – September 4 |
| Zone 5 | April 17 – May 15 | July 17 – August 21 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 – April 29 | July 1 – August 5 |
| Zone 7 | March 18 – April 15 | June 17 – July 22 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 – March 29 | May 31 – July 5 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 – February 29 | May 2 – June 6 |
| Zone 10 | January 16 – February 13 | April 16 – May 21 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized potato planting dates
Care tips
- Plant chitted seed potatoes once soil is 45°F+.
- Hill soil around stems as plants grow.
- Stop watering once foliage yellows for curing.
Good companions
Beans, Corn, Cabbage.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your potato harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant potato outdoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, direct sow potato between April 17 and May 15, relative to the average last spring frost on May 1.
When should I plant potato outdoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, direct sow potato between April 1 and April 29, relative to the average last spring frost on April 15.
When should I plant potato outdoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, direct sow potato between March 18 and April 15, relative to the average last spring frost on April 1.
When should I plant potato outdoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, direct sow potato between March 1 and March 29, relative to the average last spring frost on March 15.
How long does potato take to grow?▾
Potato typically takes 70–110 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 11–16 weeks after the last spring frost.