When to Plant Potatoes in Michigan
In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Port Huron and as late as Apr 21 in Cadillac.
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 |
|---|---|
| Detroit | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Grand Rapids | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Warren | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Sterling Heights | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Ann Arbor | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Lansing | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Clinton Township | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Flint | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Dearborn | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Livonia | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Canton | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Troy | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Westland | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Farmington Hills | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Kalamazoo | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Waterford | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Wyoming | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Shelby | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Rochester Hills | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Southfield | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| West Bloomfield Township | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Taylor | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Pontiac | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Saint Clair Shores | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Royal Oak | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Novi | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Dearborn Heights | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Battle Creek | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Kentwood | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Redford | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Michigan?
In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Port Huron and as late as Apr 21 in Cadillac.
When is the last frost in Michigan?
The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan
- 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