When to Plant Potatoes
Published: April 24, 2026
Cool-season root crop planted from seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before last frost. One of the easiest high-calorie staples to grow at home — one pound of seed potatoes yields 10 pounds of harvest.
When to plant potato
- Direct sow outdoors: 3 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 45°F
- Days to harvest: 70–120 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Spacing: 12 inches apart
- Water: 1.5 inches per week
- Fall crop: No — single spring/summer crop only
⚠ Plant seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before last frost when soil is workable and above 45°F. Hill soil up around stems as plants grow. Needs well-drained, loose soil.
Growing Tips for Potatoes
- •Cut seed potatoes into 2-inch chunks with at least two eyes each, then let cut surfaces heal for 24–48 hours before planting.
- •Plant 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in loose, well-drained soil; add compost but avoid fresh manure.
- •Hill up soil around stems when plants reach 6 inches tall to cover developing tubers and prevent green potatoes.
- •Stop watering when foliage yellows; let skins toughen for 1–2 weeks before digging for better storage.
Companion Planting for Potatoes
✅ Plant potato with
- • Bean
- • Corn
- • Marigold
- • Horseradish
- • Nasturtium
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Tomato
- • Pepper
- • Cucumber
- • Fennel
Common Potato Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Potatoes Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant seed potatoes?
Plant seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before your last frost date, once soil is workable and above 45°F. In Zones 3–5 this is typically late April to early May; in Zones 7–8 it is early March. Potatoes can handle light frost once established, but seed pieces rot in cold wet soil below 45°F.
How deep do I plant seed potatoes?
Plant seed potato chunks 4 inches deep with the eyes facing up, spaced 12 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. As plants grow, hill soil up around the stems to cover the lower leaves and developing tubers. Hilling prevents green potatoes (which contain toxic solanine) and produces larger harvests.
Can I use grocery store potatoes as seed?
It is not recommended. Grocery potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and can carry diseases. Certified seed potatoes from a garden center or seed company are disease-free and bred for sprouting. For one pound of seed potatoes, expect about 10 pounds of harvest.
When are potatoes ready to harvest?
New potatoes (small, thin-skinned) are ready 2–3 weeks after flowering, typically 60–70 days after planting. For full-size storage potatoes, wait until the foliage yellows and dies back naturally, usually 90–120 days after planting. Let the soil dry for 1–2 weeks after the tops die to toughen skins for storage.
What should I plant with potatoes?
Beans and corn fix nitrogen and help potatoes. Marigolds repel Colorado potato beetles. Horseradish planted at corners of the bed deters pests. Avoid planting near tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers — they share blight and pest pressure with potatoes.