Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Missouri

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

The Short Answer

In Missouri, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

Missouri Frost Dates

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

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

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Missouri

Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southern Missouri (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 Missouri

Potatoes in Missouri'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 Missouri

Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Missouri Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state.

Growing season length varies across Missouri: Northern Missouri (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri (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 Missouri, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Missouri gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Missouri 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 Missouri Planting Calendar All plants for Missouri 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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