When to plant potato in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5b–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 2 in Philadelphia to April 17 in Hermitage — below are local dates for 86 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 7b | March 30 | November 17 | March 2 – March 16 |
| Pittsburgh | 6b | April 18 | October 28 | March 21 – April 4 |
| Allentown | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | March 23 – April 6 |
| Reading | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | March 17 – March 31 |
| Erie | 7a | April 26 | November 4 | March 29 – April 12 |
| Bethlehem | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | March 23 – April 6 |
| Scranton | 6b | April 23 | October 20 | March 26 – April 9 |
| Lancaster | 7a | April 19 | October 24 | March 22 – April 5 |
Potato in Pennsylvania: FAQ
When can I plant potato in Pennsylvania?
Across Pennsylvania, the time to direct-sow potato spans roughly March 2 in Philadelphia to April 17 in Hermitage, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the potato planting date vary across Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania publishes 86 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 Pennsylvania?
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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