When to Plant Potatoes in Kentucky
In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville.
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 |
|---|---|
| Louisville | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Lexington | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Lexington-Fayette | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Meads | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Bowling Green | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Owensboro | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Covington | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Richmond | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Georgetown | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Florence | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Hopkinsville | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Nicholasville | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Elizabethtown | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Henderson | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Frankfort | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Jeffersontown | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Independence | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Paducah | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Valley Station | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Radcliff | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Ashland | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Newburg | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Madisonville | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Murray | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Erlanger | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Winchester | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Fern Creek | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Saint Matthews | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Okolona | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Danville | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Kentucky?
In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville.
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky
- 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