When to plant potato in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Sow May 6 · First harvest Jul 15 · Wrap by Aug 26

Last spring frostMay 20

Direct sowMay 6

First harvestJul 15

Last harvestAug 26

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 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 4a?

Potato matures in about 70–120 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around May 6 and first picking around Jul 15.

Will potato survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — potato tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

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