Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Texas

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

The Short Answer

Texas potatoes follow the state's cool-season calendar — plant in late winter for a late spring harvest before summer heat arrives. The crop is surprisingly well-suited to Texas's cooler months, and the state's sandy and loamy soils in many regions provide excellent growing conditions.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Texas: plant seed potatoes in late February to early March. Central Texas: plant in mid-February. South Texas: plant as early as January. The goal is tuber development before sustained 85°F+ soil temperatures, which halt growth. Texas's sandy east Texas soils and prairie soils grow potatoes well. Hill Country's alkaline limestone needs sulfur amendment — potatoes prefer pH 5.0-5.5 (unusually acidic). Hill soil as plants grow. Harvest when foliage dies back — typically May to early June.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Red LaSoda is a Texas favorite — heat tolerant and productive. Kennebec for baking. Yukon Gold for all-purpose. Pontiac Red for new potatoes. Texas A&M recommends heat-tolerant varieties suited to the state's early-season growing window.

Common Challenges in Texas

Heat ends the season rapidly — once soil temperatures exceed 85°F, tuber growth stops. Colorado potato beetle. Scab in alkaline soils — acidify with sulfur. Wire worms in some soils. Late blight during wet springs.

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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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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