Field guide
When to plant potatoes in USDA Zones 9–10
In USDA Zones 9–10, the planner’s broad outdoor planting window for potatoes runs from February to March, with a second window from September. Potatoes takes 70–120 days from planting to first harvest.
Open plannerPlanting calendar for USDA Zones 9–10
- Spring planting
- February to March
- Fall planting
- September
- Days to harvest
- 70–120 days
- Water needs
- medium
What USDA Zones 9–10 do—and do not—tell you
These zones span average annual extreme minimum temperatures of roughly 20°F to 40°F. That is useful climate context, but it does not determine your exact frost dates. Check a local forecast or county Extension calendar before planting tender crops.
How to know when to harvest
- New potatoes: harvest when plants flower (small, tender)
- Storage potatoes: wait until foliage dies back and turns brown
- Skin should not rub off easily when ready for storage
Want a plan that accounts for your crops, growing method, equipment, and plant conditions? Open the free planner for a daily crop checklist and adaptive harvest forecast.
About this field guide
A local-first garden agent and neighborhood commons planner for food, water, tools, repair, clean energy, and resilient communication. Your profile and garden history stay on this device.