When to Plant Potatoes in Wisconsin
In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Kenosha and as late as Apr 13 in Merrill.
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 |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Madison | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Green Bay | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Kenosha | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Racine | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Appleton | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Waukesha | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Eau Claire | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Oshkosh | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Janesville | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| West Allis | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| La Crosse | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| North La Crosse | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Sheboygan | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Wauwatosa | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Fond du Lac | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| New Berlin | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Wausau | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Brookfield | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Greenfield | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Beloit | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Franklin | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Menomonee Falls | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Oak Creek | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Manitowoc | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Sun Prairie | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| West Bend | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Fitchburg | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Stevens Point | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Superior | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 96 Wisconsin cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Wisconsin cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Wisconsin?
In a typical Wisconsin location, sow outdoors Apr 2 – Apr 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 22 in Kenosha and as late as Apr 13 in Merrill.
When is the last frost in Wisconsin?
The average last spring frost in Wisconsin ranges from April 19 in Kenosha to May 11 in Merrill, 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 Wisconsin
- 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