In Oklahoma, the best time to plant potatoes is in early spring, around April or May, when the soil has warmed up and there is no longer a risk of frost. The exact time will depend on your specific location and weather conditions. A table of average frost dates in Oklahoma can be found in this article. Continue reading to find out when to plant potatoes in Oklahoma. This is our updated article about When to Plant Potatoes in Oklahoma in 2024 with comments and questions from our readers.
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When to Plant Potatoes in Oklahoma
As explained above, the best time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma is between early April and late May. It is important to plant potatoes in these months so that the potatoes develop and grow properly. Potatoes are a cool season crop and if you plant them too late, they will not develop properly during the summer.
Below is a table of average frost dates for the year 2024 in different cities in Oklahoma. This way you will know the right time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma and have a successful harvest.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Growing Season |
| Oklahoma City | 10-Apr | 29-Oct | 201 days |
| Tulsa | 5-Apr | 30-Oct | 207 days |
| Lawton | 7-Apr | 31-Oct | 206 days |
| Broken Arrow | 8-Apr | 26-Oct | 200 days |
| Norman | 7-Apr | 31-Oct | 206 days |
These dates are only estimates, it is best to check the local weather a few days before planting to be sure of the local climate. There are years when the frost comes early and others when frost is delayed.
Most important of all, potatoes do not tolerate frost and require soil temperatures of at least 50 °F (10 °C). So before planting your potatoes make sure of the temperatures, if you want to plant potatoes earlier you can plant potatoes in bags. Learn more about how to plant potatoes.
- These grow bags are made of sturdy material, allow roots to breathe and grow healthier, and make plants have really thick stems and healthy roots. You can also observe the growth of roots and seeds from the flap.
- Ventilated holes on the bottom and side improve aeration, provide better drainage and air flow. But importantly air prunes the roots and helps branch root system out.
- The size is large enough to create a stable growing environment for veggies and flower. The strong handles make them easy to move around as your needs.
Planting Potatoes in Oklahoma
Not only is the temperature important for planting potatoes in Oklahoma, but also the soil and the irrigation you give the potatoes to develop properly. Below I will tell you what is the best soil for potatoes, how to water them, and several tips for your potatoes to develop properly.
Soil
According to the University of Oklahoma, potatoes grow well in a wide variety of soils. Potatoes can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 6.8, but the best pH to avoid certain potato diseases is between 5 and 5.5. You can easily measure the pH of the soil with pH strips or a digital pH tester. I recommend our article about how to measure soil pH.
Potatoes grow best in loose, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Compost or well-decomposed manure should be added to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. It is also important to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12” (30 cm) for the potatoes to develop better. Avoid planting potatoes in waterlogged soil or soil with stagnant water, as this will cause the potato plant to rot.
Watering
Watering potatoes is important for their growth and development. It is important to keep the soil constantly moist, but not waterlogged, during the potato growing season. Water the plants once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. It is important to prevent the soil from drying out completely, as this can cause the potatoes to become too small or misshapen.
When watering potatoes in Oklahoma, it is best to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, as these methods help conserve water. Also, using these watering methods prevents the leaves and stems of the potatoes from getting wet, which can lead to fungal diseases. Water potatoes early in the day, so that the foliage has time to dry out before nightfall.
I recommend mulching around potato plants to help retain moisture and eliminate weeds. You can use any type of mulch for the potato plant.
Tips for Growing Potatoes in Oklahoma
Here are some tips for growing potatoes in Oklahoma:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for your potato plant. Potatoes plants prefer a pH of 5 to 5.5.
- Water potato plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Potatoes need at least 1” (2.5 cm) of water per week.
- To prevent pests and diseases in potatoes, rotate the crop each year and consider using row covers or crop rotation to protect plants.
Final Conclusions
Planting potatoes in Oklahoma is very easy and if you have the right soil for growing potatoes, you can get a very abundant harvest. Remember never to overwater because overwatering can lead to various diseases in the potato crop.
I hope this article on when to plant potatoes in Oklahoma will be helpful and that you will have an excellent harvest. I recommend our article about when are potatoes ready to harvest.
