If you’re planning your garden in the Sunflower State, knowing when to plant potatoes in Kansas is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial for a successful crop, as Kansas weather can be quite variable from east to west.
Potatoes are a cool-season crop, and planting them at the optimal time helps them establish before summer heat arrives. This guide will walk you through the best dates, how to adjust for your specific location, and the simple steps to get your spuds growing strong.
When to Plant Potatoes in Kansas
The general rule for planting potatoes in Kansas is to get them in the ground in early spring. The goal is to plant 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date. This lets the plants sprout and grow in cool soil, which they prefer.
For most of Kansas, this falls between late March and mid-April. However, because Kansas has three distinct growing zones (5b, 6a/b, and 7a), you’ll need to be more precise.
- Northwest Kansas (Zone 5b): Plant from early to mid-April. Frost dates here are later.
- Central & Eastern Kansas (Zones 6a & 6b): Plant from late March to early April. This includes cities like Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City metro areas.
- South-Central Kansas (Zone 7a): You can plant a bit earlier, from mid to late March.
A classic old-time method is to watch for nature’s cues. Some gardeners swear by planting when the first dandelions bloom or when the soil is dry enough to work without clumping.
Understanding Your Soil Temperature
More reliable than just a calendar date is your soil temperature. Potatoes will begin to sprout best when soil is consistently at least 45°F (7°C). You can check this with a simple soil thermometer.
If the soil is too cold and wet, your seed potatoes may rot instead of grow. Waiting for the right soil warmth is worth the patience. A good sign is if you can comfortably sit on the ground—it’s probably ready for planting.
Planting for a Fall Harvest
Did you know you can plant potatoes twice in Kansas? A second, or “succession,” planting in late summer can yield a fall harvest of tender new potatoes.
For a fall crop, you need to count backwards. Plant about 110 days before your first average fall frost. This usually means:
- Northwest KS: Plant in early to mid-July.
- Central & Eastern KS: Plant in late July.
- South-Central KS: Plant in early August.
The challenge with fall planting is the summer heat. You’ll need to keep the soil moist and well-mulched to protect the developing tubers.
How to Prepare for Planting
Once your timing is set, preparation is key. Start by choosing your seed potatoes. Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center, not grocery store spuds which can carry disease.
About a week before planting, “chit” or pre-sprout your seed potatoes. Place them in a cool, bright location to encourage short, sturdy green sprouts. This gives them a head start.
Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 1-2 “eyes” or sprouts. Let the cut pieces dry and form a callus for a day or two to prevent rot.
Choosing the Right Potato Variety
Select varieties that suit Kansas’s climate and your taste. Early varieties like ‘Yukon Gold’ or ‘Red Norland’ mature fast and escape the worst summer heat. Mid-season varieties like ‘Kennebec’ are reliable workhorses. For storage, late varieties like ‘Russet Burbank’ do well.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Site Selection: Pick a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours) and well-drained soil. Potatoes won’t thrive in heavy, soggy clay.
- Soil Prep: Loosen the soil deeply (about 12 inches) and mix in compost or aged manure. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause scab disease on the potato skins.
- Trenching: Dig a trench about 6 inches deep. Space trenches 2-3 feet apart.
- Planting: Place seed potato pieces cut-side down, with eyes facing up, in the trench. Space them about 12 inches apart.
- Covering: Cover with 4 inches of soil. Don’t fill the trench completely yet—you’ll “hill” soil around the plants as they grow.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Caring for Your Growing Potatoes
As your potato plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, it’s time to hill them. Mound soil from between the rows around the base of the plants, leaving just the top few leaves exposed. This protects developing tubers from sunlight, which turns them green and toxic, and encourages more potatoes to form.
Repeat hilling every few weeks. Consistent watering is vital, especially once the plants flower, as that’s when tubers are bulking up. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
Watch out for pests like the Colorado potato beetle. Hand-pick them off if you see them. Rotating where you plant potatoes each year helps prevent disease build-up in the soil.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
You can harvest “new” potatoes carefully by hand about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature potatoes intended for storage, wait until the plant vines have completely died back.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the potatoes on a dry day. Let them cure on the soil surface for a few hours, then move them to a dark, cool (45-60°F), and humid place for about two weeks to toughen their skins. After curing, store them in a well-ventilated, dark cellar or similar conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too early: Cold, wet soil is the biggest cause of seed piece rot.
- Using grocery store potatoes: They are often treated to prevent sprouting and can introduce disease.
- Forgetting to hill: Exposed tubers will turn green and become inedible.
- Overwatering at planting: This can cause rot before growth even starts.
FAQ: Planting Potatoes in Kansas
What is the latest you can plant potatoes in Kansas?
For a spring planting, aim to get them in by mid-May at the absolute latest. Later planting risks the tubers developing during the peak summer heat, which can halt growth. For a fall crop, follow the late summer timing.
Can I plant potatoes in June in Kansas?
Planting in June is generally to late for a traditional spring crop, as the soil is to warm. However, you could use June to prepare for a fall crop by ordering your seed potatoes and getting ready for a July planting.
Do potatoes grow good in Kansas?
Yes, potatoes can grow very well in Kansas! The key is matching the planting time to your zone and providing consistent moisture. The state’s springs offer the perfect cool period they need to get started.
How long does it take potatoes to grow?
From planting, most potato varieties take between 70 to 120 days to reach full maturity. Early varieties are faster, while baking and storage types take the longest. Your seed potato catalog or tag will list the “days to maturity.”
By following these guidelines for when to plant potatoes in Kansas, you set your garden up for success. Paying attention to your local frost dates and soil conditions is more valuable than any single calendar date. With a little planning and care, you’ll be rewarded with a homegrown harvest that’s perfect for your table.