Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Michigan

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

The Short Answer

Michigan is one of America's top potato-producing states — the sandy soils and moderate summer temperatures are ideal. The state's potato expertise runs deep, with MSU's research program providing some of the best potato variety trial data in the country.

Michigan Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Upper Peninsula 4a, 4b, 5a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Northern Lower Michigan 5a, 5b May 10 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Michigan 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Michigan

Upper Peninsula (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Northern Lower Michigan (Zones 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southern Michigan (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Michigan

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes from late April to early May when soil reaches 45°F. Michigan's sandy western soils are naturally ideal — loose, well-drained, and easily hilled. Southeast Michigan's clay works but produces rougher-skinned tubers. Hill soil around stems as they grow. Michigan's moderate summer temperatures (rarely above 90°F) allow tubers to develop slowly and build starch — producing superior storage and baking potatoes.

Recommended Varieties for Michigan

Dark Red Norland for early new potatoes. Yukon Gold for all-purpose. Superior for chipping. Kennebec for baking. Fingerlings for gourmet. MSU variety trials are among the most comprehensive potato trial programs in the country — check their annual reports.

Common Challenges in Michigan

Late blight — monitor carefully during wet summers. Colorado potato beetle is the primary insect pest. Scab in alkaline or freshly manured soils. Wireworms in some sandy soils.

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 Michigan with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Upper Peninsula gardeners work with a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Michigan sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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 Michigan Planting Calendar All plants for Michigan 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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