When to Plant Potatoes in North Dakota

In a typical North Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Wahpeton and as late as Apr 23 in Beulah.

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
FargoApr 7 – Apr 21
BismarckApr 12 – Apr 26
Grand ForksApr 12 – Apr 26
MinotApr 12 – Apr 26
West FargoApr 12 – Apr 26
WillistonApr 23 – May 7
DickinsonApr 22 – May 6
MandanApr 15 – Apr 29
JamestownApr 10 – Apr 24
WahpetonApr 6 – Apr 20
Devils LakeApr 8 – Apr 22
Watford CityApr 11 – Apr 25
Valley CityApr 15 – Apr 29
Minot Air Force BaseApr 13 – Apr 27
GraftonApr 6 – Apr 20
LincolnApr 16 – Apr 30
BeulahApr 23 – May 7
RugbyApr 19 – May 3
StanleyApr 19 – May 3
HoraceApr 6 – Apr 20

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant potatoes in North Dakota?

In a typical North Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Wahpeton and as late as Apr 23 in Beulah.

When is the last frost in North Dakota?

The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 Dakota

When to plant potatoes in other states

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