When to Plant Potatoes in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Apr 5 – Apr 19 in Sioux Falls to Apr 21 – May 5 in Box Elder. In Sioux Falls, it's Apr 5 – Apr 19. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (Apr 26 in Sioux Falls, May 12 in Box Elder), 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 South Dakota by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 4a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Belle Fourche | 5b | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Box Elder | 5b | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Brandon | 5a | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Brookings | 4b | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Harrisburg | 5a | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Huron | 4b | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Madison | 4b | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Mitchell | 5a | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Pierre | 4b | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Rapid City | 5b | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Sioux Falls | 5a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Spearfish | 5b | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Sturgis | 5a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Tea | 5a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Vermillion | 5a | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Watertown | 4b | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Yankton | 5a | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
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 South Dakota, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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