When to Plant Potatoes in North Dakota
In North Dakota, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Apr 13 – Apr 27 in Fargo to Apr 30 – May 14 in Williston. In Fargo, it's Apr 13 – Apr 27. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (May 4 in Fargo, May 21 in Williston), 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 North Dakota by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 4a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Devils Lake | 4a | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Dickinson | 4b | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Fargo | 4a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Horace | 4a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Jamestown | 4b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Mandan | 4a | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Minot | 4a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Valley City | 4a | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Wahpeton | 4a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Watford City | 4a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| West Fargo | 4a | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Williston | 4a | Apr 30 – May 14 |
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 North Dakota, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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