When to plant potato in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow May 1 · First harvest Jul 10 · Wrap by Aug 21

Last spring frostMay 15

Direct sowMay 1

First harvestJul 10

Last harvestAug 21

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 5b?

Potato matures in about 70–120 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around May 1 and first picking around Jul 10.

Will potato survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — potato tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

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