When to Plant Potatoes in Idaho
In Idaho, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Mar 16 – Mar 30 in Lewiston to May 2 – May 16 in Shelley. In Boise City, it's Apr 3 – Apr 17. The average last spring frost differs by about 7 weeks across the state (Apr 6 in Lewiston, May 23 in Shelley), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Plant seed potatoes a few weeks before the last frost; cover any shoots if a late frost threatens.
- Plant outside: 1–3 weeks before the last frost.
Potatoes planting dates in Idaho by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Ammon | 5b | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Blackfoot | 5b | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Boise City | 7a | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Burley | 6b | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Caldwell | 7a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Chubbuck | 6b | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 6b | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Eagle | 7a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Emmett | 7a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Fruitland | 7a | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Garden City | 7a | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Hailey | 6a | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Hayden | 6b | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Idaho Falls | 5b | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Jerome | 6b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Kimberly | 6b | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Kuna | 7a | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Lewiston | 7a | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Meridian | 7a | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Middleton | 7a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Moscow | 6b | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Mountain Home | 7a | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Nampa | 7a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Payette | 7a | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Pocatello | 6a | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Post Falls | 6b | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Preston | 6a | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Rathdrum | 6b | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Rexburg | 5a | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Rigby | 5b | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Rupert | 6a | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Sandpoint | 6b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Shelley | 5b | May 2 – May 16 |
| Star | 7a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Twin Falls | 7a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Weiser | 7a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Idaho, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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