When to Plant Potatoes in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 29 in Tea and as late as Apr 14 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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 |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Rapid City | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Aberdeen | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Brookings | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Watertown | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Mitchell | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Yankton | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Pierre | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Huron | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Spearfish | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Vermillion | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Brandon | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Box Elder | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Rapid Valley | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Madison | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Sturgis | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Belle Fourche | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Harrisburg | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Tea | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 29 in Tea and as late as Apr 14 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota
- 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