When to Plant Potatoes in Minnesota
In Minnesota, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Apr 2 – Apr 16 in Minneapolis to Apr 23 – May 7 in Duluth. In Minneapolis, it's Apr 2 – Apr 16. The average last spring frost differs by about 3 weeks across the state (Apr 23 in Minneapolis, May 14 in Duluth), 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 Minnesota by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Andover | 4b | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Apple Valley | 5a | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Austin | 4b | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Blaine | 5a | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Bloomington | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Brooklyn Center | 5a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Brooklyn Park | 5a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Burnsville | 5a | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Chaska | 4b | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Coon Rapids | 5a | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Cottage Grove | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Duluth | 4b | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Eagan | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Eden Prairie | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Edina | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Elk River | 4b | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Fridley | 5a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Inver Grove Heights | 5a | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Lakeville | 4b | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Mankato | 5a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Maple Grove | 5a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Maplewood | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Minneapolis | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Minnetonka | 5a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Moorhead | 4a | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Oakdale | 5a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Plymouth | 5a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Prior Lake | 4b | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Ramsey | 4b | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Richfield | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Rochester | 4b | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Rosemount | 5a | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Roseville | 5a | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Savage | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Shakopee | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Shoreview | 5a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| St. Cloud | 4b | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| St. Louis Park | 5a | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| St. Paul | 5a | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Woodbury | 5a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
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 Minnesota, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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