When to Plant Potatoes in Montana
In Montana, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Apr 13 – Apr 27 in Billings to May 23 – Jun 6 in Butte-Silver Bow. In Billings, it's Apr 13 – Apr 27. The average last spring frost differs by about 6 weeks across the state (May 4 in Billings, Jun 13 in Butte-Silver Bow), 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 Montana by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | 5a | May 11 – May 25 |
| Belgrade | 5a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Billings | 5a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Bozeman | 5a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | 5a | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Columbia Falls | 5a | May 10 – May 24 |
| Great Falls | 4b | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Hamilton | 5b | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Havre | 3b | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Helena | 5a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Kalispell | 5b | May 10 – May 24 |
| Laurel | 5a | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Lewistown | 4b | May 2 – May 16 |
| Livingston | 5a | May 6 – May 20 |
| Miles City | 4b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Missoula | 5b | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Polson | 6a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Sidney | 4a | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Whitefish | 5a | Apr 25 – May 9 |
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 Montana, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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