When Do You Plant Potatoes In Missouri

If you’re planning your garden in the Show-Me State, a common question is when do you plant potatoes in Missouri. Getting the timing right is the first step to a great harvest of homegrown spuds.

Missouri’s weather can be tricky, with late frosts and early heat. Planting at the optimal time gives your potatoes the best start. Let’s look at how to pick your perfect planting window.

The classic rule for Missouri potato planting is to get them in the ground in early spring. A more specific guideline is to plant 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date.

This timing allows the seed potatoes to establish roots in cool soil. The shoots then emerge as the danger of a hard freeze passes. Planting too early risks rot in cold, wet ground. Planting too late exposes young plants to Missouri’s sometimes intense summer heat.

Using Frost Dates to Guide Your Planting

Missouri’s climate varies from north to south. This means planting times shift across the state. Your local last frost date is your best guide.

Northern Missouri (e.g., Kirksville, St. Joseph): Last frost around April 15-20. Plant potatoes from late March to early April.
Central Missouri (e.g., Columbia, Jefferson City): Last frost around April 10-15. Plant potatoes from late March to early April.
Southern Missouri (e.g., Springfield, Branson): Last frost around April 5-10. Plant potatoes from mid to late March.
Bootheel Region (e.g., Sikeston, Kennett): Last frost around April 1-5. Plant potatoes in mid-March.

These are averages, so always check the current year’s weather forcast. A good backup plan is to watch for natural signs, like dandelions blooming or redbud trees flowering. These often indicate soil is warming suitably.

Choosing the Right Potato Varieties for Missouri

Selecting varieties suited to your season improves your success. Missouri gardeners can grow early, mid, and late-season types.

Early Season (70-90 days): These mature fast, beating the summer heat. Good choices include ‘Red Norland’, ‘Yukon Gold’, and ‘Irish Cobbler’. They are often planted a bit earlier.
Mid Season (90-110 days): These are reliable performers. Try ‘Kennebec’, ‘Gold Rush’, or ‘Viking Purple’.
Late Season (110-135 days): These need a longer, cooler growing period and store well. ‘Russet Burbank’ and ‘German Butterball’ are excellent if you have the space and time.

Consider planting a mix. You’ll get new potatoes early and storage types later. Always buy certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center, not grocery store potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Potatoes

Once your date arrives, follow these steps for a good planting.

Prepare the Seed Potatoes: A week or two before planting, “chit” or sprout your seed potatoes. Place them in a cool, bright spot to develop short, sturdy sprouts. Cut larger seed pieces so each has 1-2 eyes. Let them cure for a day to form a callus.
Prepare the Soil: Potatoes need loose, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.8-6.5). Work in several inches of compost or aged manure. Avoid fresh manure, which can cause scab disease. A sunny location is essential.
Plant Correctly: Dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep. Place seed pieces cut-side down, 12 inches apart. Rows should be 2-3 feet apart. Cover with 4 inches of soil. As the plants grow, you’ll “hill” soil around them.
Water and Mulch: Water thoroughly after planting. Maintain even moisture, especially when tubers form. A layer of straw mulch helps retain moisture, keeps soil cool, and supresses weeds.

Protecting from Late Frosts

A late frost after sprouts emerge can damage foliage. If a frost is predicted, cover young plants with row cover, old sheets, or even a light layer of straw. Uncover them once the temperature rises in the morning. The plants will usually recover from a light frost with this protection.

Caring for Your Potato Plants Through the Season

Consistent care after planting ensures healthy growth.

Hilling: When plants are 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around the stems, leaving the top few leaves exposed. Repeat every few weeks. This protects developing tubers from sunlight, which turns them green and toxic.
Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Inconsistent watering leads to misshapen tubers. Reduce watering when foliage starts to yellow and die back near harvest.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth instead of potatoes. A side dressing of compost when hilling is beneficial.
Pest and Disease Watch: Watch for Colorado potato beetles. Hand-pick them off. Rotate your potato patch each year to prevent soil-borne diseases like blight.

Harvesting Your Missouri Potatoes

Harvest time depends on the type you planted and when you planted them.

New Potatoes: You can gently dig for small, tender “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after plants finish flowering.
Mature Potatoes for Storage: Wait until the plant tops have completely yellowed and died back. Use a garden fork to carefully lift the tubers on a dry day. Let them cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks before storing.

Proper curing thickens the skins for longer storage. Store your cured potatoes in a cool, dark, humid place like a basement or root cellar. Check them periodically and remove any that are spoiling.

FAQs on Planting Potatoes in Missouri

Can I plant potatoes in the fall in Missouri?
In some parts of southern Missouri, you can plant a fall crop in late summer (around early August) for a late fall harvest. It’s more challenging due to heat at planting time and requires careful variety selection.

What if I missed the spring planting window?
If it’s not yet late May, you can still plant fast-maturing early varieties. After that, it’s best to wait for the fall planting window or plan for next spring, as summer heat will stress the plants.

Can I grow potatoes in containers?
Absolutely. Use a large container (like a 15-gallon pot) with drainage. Plant 1-2 seed pieces, and add soil as you hill. This is a great option for small spaces and helps manage disease.

How do I prevent green potatoes?
Green potatoes are caused by exposure to light. Always hill your plants thoroughly to cover tubers. Store harvested potatoes in complete darkness.

Is it okay to use store-bought potatoes for seed?
It’s not recommended. Grocery store potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases that can persist in your soil. Certified seed potatoes are a safer investment for your garden’s health.

By following these guidelines for when do you plant potatoes in Missouri, you align your gardening efforts with the state’s unique climate. Paying attention to your local conditions and preparing your soil well are the most important factors. With good timing and care, you’ll be rewarded with a plentiful harvest of homegrown potatoes to enjoy for months to come.