When to Plant Potatoes in Montana
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors Apr 16 – Apr 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Laurel and as late as May 16 in Butte.
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 |
|---|---|
| Billings | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Missoula | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Great Falls | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Bozeman | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Butte | May 16 – May 30 |
| Helena | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Kalispell | May 3 – May 17 |
| Havre | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Anaconda | May 4 – May 18 |
| Miles City | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Helena Valley Southeast | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Belgrade | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Helena Valley West Central | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Evergreen | May 3 – May 17 |
| Livingston | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Whitefish | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Laurel | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Sidney | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Lockwood | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Lewistown | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Montana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Montana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Montana?
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors Apr 16 – Apr 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Laurel and as late as May 16 in Butte.
When is the last frost in Montana?
The average last spring frost in Montana ranges from May 5 in Laurel to June 13 in Butte, 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 Montana
- 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