When to plant potato in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant potato shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 3 in Shively to April 3 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | March 9 – March 23 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | March 16 – March 30 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | March 8 – March 22 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | March 5 – March 19 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | March 19 – April 2 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | March 21 – April 4 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | March 18 – April 1 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | March 21 – April 4 |
Potato in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant potato in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow potato spans roughly March 3 in Shively to April 3 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the potato planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right potato planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does potato take to grow in Kentucky?
Potato takes about 70–120 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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