When to plant potato in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 26 · First harvest Jul 5 · Wrap by Aug 16

Last spring frostMay 10

Direct sowApr 26

First harvestJul 5

Last harvestAug 16

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 5a?

Potato matures in about 70–120 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 26 and first picking around Jul 5.

Will potato survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — potato tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

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