When to plant potato in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow May 16 · First harvest Jul 25 · Wrap by Sep 5

Last spring frostMay 30

Direct sowMay 16

First harvestJul 25

Last harvestSep 5

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Potato tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall.

Common questions

How long does potato take to grow in zone 3a?

Potato matures in about 70–120 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 16 and first picking around Jul 25.

Will potato survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — potato tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full potato growing guide →