Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Florida

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

Florida is one of the earliest potato-producing states — north-central Florida's winter potato crop hits markets in April and May, weeks before northern states even plant. Home gardeners can follow the same calendar for an early harvest.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: plant seed potatoes in January through February. Central Florida: plant December through January. South Florida: plant November through January. Florida's sandy soils grow potatoes well but need compost for moisture retention. Potatoes in Florida are a short-season crop — plant certified seed potatoes and harvest 80-100 days later, before summer heat arrives. UF/IFAS Extension provides a detailed Florida potato growing guide.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Red LaSoda and LaRouge are Florida standards — developed for warm-climate potato production. Yukon Gold and Gold Rush for yellow-flesh types. UF/IFAS recommends varieties specifically tested in Florida conditions.

Common Challenges in Florida

Nematodes in sandy soils. Bacterial wilt in warm, wet conditions. Early and late blight during humid weather. Heat shuts down tuber development — harvest by May in most of the state.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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