When to plant potato in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 4b–6a, so the right time to plant potato shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 22 in Pleasant Prairie to April 13 in River Falls — below are local dates for 97 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | April 26 | October 18 | March 29 – April 12 |
| Madison | 5a | May 1 | October 9 | April 3 – April 17 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 7 | October 9 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Kenosha | 5b | April 28 | October 19 | March 31 – April 14 |
| Racine | 6a | April 20 | October 24 | March 23 – April 6 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 4 | October 6 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Waukesha | 5b | May 1 | October 13 | April 3 – April 17 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | April 24 | October 14 | March 27 – April 10 |
Potato in Wisconsin: FAQ
When can I plant potato in Wisconsin?
Across Wisconsin, the time to direct-sow potato spans roughly March 22 in Pleasant Prairie to April 13 in River Falls, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the potato planting date vary across Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin publishes 97 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 Wisconsin?
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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