Potato · last checked 2026-09-27
When to plant potatoes: early spring timing, soil and state dates
Potatoes go in early. They are one of the first crops planted in spring and can take a light frost, but seed pieces set into cold, soggy ground tend to rot.
Each line below names the Extension service it comes from and links to their page. Spacing and depth differ between services, so all of them are listed.
When to plant
- Illinois Extension says potatoes are among the first vegetables to go in, and every type can be planted in March or early April there; planting into wet, cold soil raises the chance the seed pieces rot. Potato (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
- Illinois Extension says midseason and late varieties can still be planted as late as July 1, and late potatoes are the better choice for winter storage. Potato (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says to plant in late winter; the plants shrug off a light frost, but hard frosts and freezes can slow them down. Potato (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
Soil temperature
- Illinois Extension says tubers form best when the soil is between 60 and 70 °F and stop forming once it reaches 80 °F. Potato (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
State planting dates
| Who says | Region | Planting window | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson Cooperative Extension says | South Carolina, Coastal Plain counties | Spring: February 1 to March 31. Fall planting is not recommended. | Potato (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Clemson Cooperative Extension says | South Carolina, Piedmont counties | Spring: March 15 to April 30. Fall planting is not recommended. | Potato (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Oregon State University Extension says | Oregon, region 1: coast, Astoria to Brookings | February to May | Vegetable Gardening in Oregon (EC 871) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Oregon State University Extension says | Oregon, region 2: western valleys, Portland to Roseburg | April to June | Vegetable Gardening in Oregon (EC 871) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Oregon State University Extension says | Oregon, region 3: high elevations of central and eastern Oregon | May to June | Vegetable Gardening in Oregon (EC 871) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Oregon State University Extension says | Oregon, region 4: Columbia and Snake valleys (Hermiston, Pendleton, Ontario) | March to June | Vegetable Gardening in Oregon (EC 871) · checked 2026-09-27 |
Spacing
- Illinois Extension says seed pieces go 10 to 12 inches apart, 1 to 3 inches deep, in rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Potato (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says seed pieces go cut side down, 3 to 5 inches deep (5 to 6 for later crops), and 8 to 10 inches apart. Potato (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
- Oregon State University Extension says to allow 12 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows; plant 5 to 6 inches deep for flat rows, or 4 inches if you will hill them. Vegetable Gardening in Oregon (EC 871) · checked 2026-09-27
Harvest
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says potatoes take about 100 to 120 days to mature; for storage, dig them roughly two weeks after the vines die back. Potato (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
- Illinois Extension says to dig once the vines have died, handling tubers gently; late potatoes there are usually dug in August or early September. Potato (Home Vegetable Gardening) · checked 2026-09-27
Unless a line says otherwise, weeks are counted from the average last spring frost where you live. Find that date through your state’s Extension service. See how these pages are put together.