FrostCal

When to Plant Potatoes in Nebraska

In a typical Nebraska location, sow outdoors Mar 27 – Apr 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 18 in Elkhorn and as late as Apr 13 in Alliance.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 70–120 days

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

CityDirect sow
OmahaMar 21 – Apr 4
LincolnMar 27 – Apr 10
BellevueMar 20 – Apr 3
Grand IslandMar 26 – Apr 9
KearneyApr 2 – Apr 16
FremontMar 26 – Apr 9
HastingsMar 25 – Apr 8
NorfolkApr 2 – Apr 16
North PlatteApr 5 – Apr 19
ColumbusMar 24 – Apr 7
PapillionMar 20 – Apr 3
La VistaMar 20 – Apr 3
ScottsbluffApr 10 – Apr 24
South Sioux CityApr 1 – Apr 15
BeatriceMar 27 – Apr 10
ChalcoMar 24 – Apr 7
LexingtonMar 29 – Apr 12
AllianceApr 13 – Apr 27
GeringApr 10 – Apr 24
ElkhornMar 18 – Apr 1

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant potatoes in Nebraska?

In a typical Nebraska location, sow outdoors Mar 27 – Apr 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 18 in Elkhorn and as late as Apr 13 in Alliance.

When is the last frost in Nebraska?

The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska

When to plant potatoes in other states

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