Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Kansas

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

The Short Answer

In Kansas, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

Kansas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Kansas 5b, 6a Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas 6a, 6b Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas 6b, 7a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Kansas

Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Kansas

Potatoes in Kansas's Climate

Plant seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before your last frost when soil reaches 45°F. Your varied soils all grow potatoes, though clay soils produce rougher-skinned tubers than sandy loams. Hill soil around stems as they grow. Watch for late blight during humid summers — Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic are historically late blight territory.

Soil Considerations for Kansas

Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Kansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops.

Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for potatoes — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

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 across Kansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Kansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Kansas can typically plant earlier. 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 Kansas Planting Calendar All plants for Kansas 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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