When to Plant Potatoes in California
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Jose | Dec 5 – Dec 19 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fresno | Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Sacramento | Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Bakersfield | Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Riverside | Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Stockton | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fremont | Dec 10 – Dec 24 |
| San Bernardino | Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Fontana | Dec 13 – Dec 27 |
| Modesto | Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Moreno Valley | Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Glendale | Dec 5 – Dec 19 |
| Santa Clarita | Dec 11 – Dec 25 |
| Santa Rosa | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Dec 7 – Dec 21 |
| Ontario | Dec 7 – Dec 21 |
| Elk Grove | Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in California?
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do potatoes take to grow?
Potatoes typically take 70–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant potatoes in other states