When to Plant Potatoes in Missouri
In a typical Missouri location, sow outdoors Mar 11 – Mar 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 26 in Sikeston and as late as Mar 24 in Kirksville.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| St. Louis | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Springfield | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Columbia | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Independence | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Lee's Summit | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| O'Fallon | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Saint Joseph | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Saint Charles | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Blue Springs | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Saint Peters | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Florissant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Joplin | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Chesterfield | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Jefferson City | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Cape Girardeau | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Oakville | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Wildwood | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Wentzville | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| University City | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Ballwin | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Liberty | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Raytown | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Mehlville | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Kirkwood | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Maryland Heights | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Gladstone | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Hazelwood | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Grandview | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Webster Groves | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 90 Missouri cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Missouri cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Missouri?
In a typical Missouri location, sow outdoors Mar 11 – Mar 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 26 in Sikeston and as late as Mar 24 in Kirksville.
When is the last frost in Missouri?
The average last spring frost in Missouri ranges from March 26 in Sikeston to April 21 in Kirksville, 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 Missouri
- 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