When to Plant Potatoes in North Carolina
In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Mar 3 – Mar 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Morehead City and as late as Apr 4 in Boone.
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 |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Raleigh | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Greensboro | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Durham | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Winston-Salem | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Fayetteville | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Cary | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Wilmington | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| High Point | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Asheville | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Greenville | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Concord | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Gastonia | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Jacksonville | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Chapel Hill | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Rocky Mount | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Huntersville | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Burlington | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Wilson | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Kannapolis | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Apex | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Hickory | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Wake Forest | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Indian Trail | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Mooresville | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Goldsboro | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Monroe | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Salisbury | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Holly Springs | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Matthews | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 95 North Carolina cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Carolina cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in North Carolina?
In a typical North Carolina location, sow outdoors Mar 3 – Mar 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Morehead City and as late as Apr 4 in Boone.
When is the last frost in North Carolina?
The average last spring frost in North Carolina ranges from March 18 in Morehead City to May 2 in Boone, 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 North Carolina
- 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