Quick planting window
| Start indoors | Not recommended; sow seeds directly instead |
|---|---|
| Transplant | Not recommended; sow seeds directly to avoid root disturbance |
| Sow seeds | March |
| Estimated harvest | June to July |
| Risk | Low risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Potato is a reasonable spring choice for California if you adjust for your local microclimate.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
100
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Potato growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun.
Soil
Loose, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Spacing
10-12 inches between seed pieces.
Container
Works well in grow bags or deep containers.
Watering
Keep evenly moist after plants emerge.
Common mistake
Letting tubers get exposed to light.
Beginner tip
Hill soil or mulch as plants reach 6-8 inches tall.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | March | June to July | August to September | November to December |
| New York | April to May | July to August | June to July | October to November |
| Texas | March | June to July | July to August | November to December |
| Washington | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| New Jersey | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Florida | January to February | April to May | September to October | December to January |
| North Carolina | March to April | June to July | July to August | November to December |
| Georgia | March to April | June to July | July to August | November to December |
| Illinois | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Ohio | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Pennsylvania | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Michigan | May | August to September | June to July | October to November |
| Arizona | February to March | May to June | August to September | November to December |
| Oregon | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Massachusetts | April to May | July to August | June to July | October to November |
| Minnesota | May | August to September | June to July | October to November |
| Virginia | March to April | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Colorado | May to June | August to September | June to July | October to November |
| Tennessee | March to April | June to July | July to August | November to December |
| Missouri | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start potato indoors?
Potato is usually not worth starting indoors; outdoor sowing is more practical.
Can I sow potato outdoors?
Potato can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about March.
When should I transplant potato?
Potato is not usually transplanted because root disturbance can hurt establishment.
How long does potato take to harvest?
Potato is listed at about 100 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is potato container friendly?
Yes. Works well in grow bags or deep containers.
What is the most common potato mistake?
Letting tubers get exposed to light.
Is potato better in spring or fall?
Both spring and fall can work in many states, but fall timing should count backward from the first frost date.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.