When to Plant Potatoes in Illinois
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe.
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 |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Aurora | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Rockford | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Joliet | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Naperville | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Peoria | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Springfield | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| North Peoria | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Elgin | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Waukegan | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Champaign | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Cicero | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Bloomington | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Arlington Heights | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Evanston | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Schaumburg | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Bolingbrook | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Decatur | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Palatine | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Skokie | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Des Plaines | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Orland Park | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Tinley Park | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Oak Lawn | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Berwyn | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Mount Prospect | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Normal | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Wheaton | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Oak Park | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Hoffman Estates | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Illinois?
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe.
When is the last frost in Illinois?
The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois
- 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