When to Plant Potatoes in Pennsylvania
In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Philadelphia and as late as Apr 17 in Hermitage.
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 |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Pittsburgh | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Allentown | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Erie | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Reading | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Scranton | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Bethlehem | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Bensalem | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Lancaster | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Abington | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Levittown | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Havertown | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Harrisburg | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Altoona | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| York | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| State College | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Wilkes-Barre | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Norristown | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Chester | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Mount Lebanon | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Bethel Park | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Wayne | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Radnor | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Williamsport | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Monroeville | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Cranberry Township | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Drexel Hill | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Plum | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Back Mountain | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Easton | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 121 Pennsylvania cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Pennsylvania cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Pennsylvania?
In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Philadelphia and as late as Apr 17 in Hermitage.
When is the last frost in Pennsylvania?
The average last spring frost in Pennsylvania ranges from March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage, 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 Pennsylvania
- 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