When to Plant Potatoes in Colorado
In a typical Colorado location, sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 17 in Grand Junction and as late as May 24 in Edwards.
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 |
|---|---|
| Denver | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Colorado Springs | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Aurora | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Fort Collins | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Lakewood | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Thornton | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Westminster | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Arvada | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Centennial | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Pueblo | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Greeley | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Boulder | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Highlands Ranch | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Longmont | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Loveland | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Broomfield | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Grand Junction | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Castle Rock | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Commerce City | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Parker | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Littleton | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Northglenn | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Brighton | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Dakota Ridge | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Englewood | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Security-Widefield | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Windsor | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Ken Caryl | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Wheat Ridge | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Pueblo West | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 65 Colorado cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Colorado cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Colorado?
In a typical Colorado location, sow outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 17 in Grand Junction and as late as May 24 in Edwards.
When is the last frost in Colorado?
The average last spring frost in Colorado ranges from April 14 in Grand Junction to June 21 in Edwards, 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 Colorado
- 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