Potato in Zone 5a & 5b
Solanum tuberosum
Yes, potato grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside Apr 26–May 3.
When to plant potato in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 26–May 3 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 25–Aug 1 (~90 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of potato in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionApr 19–Apr 26
- RadishApr 12–Apr 19
- CarrotApr 19–Apr 26
- CabbageApr 26–May 3
- LettuceApr 26–May 3
- BroccoliApr 26–May 3
Potatoes aren't grown from true seed in the home garden. They're grown from seed potatoes, small tubers (or cut pieces of larger ones) planted directly in a furrow, each one sending up a plant that produces a new cluster of tubers underground.
How potato fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Potato needs about 90 days from sowing to first harvest.
Potato planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Not usually | May 16–May 23 | Aug 14–Aug 21 |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 1–May 8 | Jul 30–Aug 6 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Not usually | Apr 26–May 3 | Jul 25–Aug 1 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jul 10–Jul 17 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jun 25–Jul 2 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 11–Mar 18 | Jun 9–Jun 16 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 1–Feb 8 | May 2–May 9 |
| 10a & 10bFall window | Aug–Dec | Sep–Jan | ~90 days after transplanting |
Harvest dates are about 90 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
- Bush Beans: Beans fix nitrogen that heavy-feeding potatoes use.
Where to buy potato seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's potato seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Yukon Gold: Rated 3.9 stars in Cornell's Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners database, with a standout 4.2-star taste rating for its buttery flavor, at 60-75 days. Buy: True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing potato" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Potato in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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