When to Plant Potatoes in Tennessee
In a typical Tennessee location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in New South Memphis and as late as Mar 24 in Bristol.
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 |
|---|---|
| Nashville | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| New South Memphis | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Memphis | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Knoxville | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Chattanooga | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Clarksville | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Murfreesboro | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| East Chattanooga | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Franklin | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cordova | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Jackson | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Johnson City | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Bartlett | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Hendersonville | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Kingsport | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Collierville | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Smyrna | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Cleveland | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Brentwood | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Germantown | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Hermitage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Columbia | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Spring Hill | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| La Vergne | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Gallatin | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Cookeville | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Mount Juliet | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Lebanon | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Morristown | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Oak Ridge | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 70 Tennessee cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Tennessee cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Tennessee?
In a typical Tennessee location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in New South Memphis and as late as Mar 24 in Bristol.
When is the last frost in Tennessee?
The average last spring frost in Tennessee ranges from March 16 in New South Memphis to April 21 in Bristol, 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 Tennessee
- 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