UK sowing calendar
When to sow potatoes in the UK
Potatoes sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Jan-Mar (chit tubers frost-free) |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Mar-May |
| Harvest | Jun-Oct |
Chit (sprout) seed potatoes indoors in a bright, frost-free spot from late Jan to Mar. Plant first earlies mid-Mar to Apr, second earlies early-mid Apr, and maincrops from mid-Apr; potato foliage is frost-tender, so earth up shoots or fleece them if a late frost threatens. Lift first earlies Jun-Jul, maincrops late Aug-Oct.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for potatoes.
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When to sow potatoes in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow potatoes in the UK?
Sow potatoes under cover Jan-Mar (chit tubers frost-free), then outdoors mar-may. Chit (sprout) seed potatoes indoors in a bright, frost-free spot from late Jan to Mar. Plant first earlies mid-Mar to Apr, second earlies early-mid Apr, and maincrops from mid-Apr; potato foliage is frost-tender, so earth up shoots or fleece them if a late frost threatens. Lift first earlies Jun-Jul, maincrops late Aug-Oct.
Can you sow potatoes outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant potatoes outdoors mar-may. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is potatoes ready to harvest in the UK?
Potatoes is typically harvested Jun-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow potatoes?
It depends on the month and your region. Potatoes has a UK outdoor window of mar-may; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.