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When to plant Potatoes in Sutter County, CA

Sutter County's spring Potatoes window runs March 4 through March 25. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.

When to Plant Potatoes in Sutter County, CA

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.

Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.

Sutter County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Sutter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Potatoes to Grow

3-5 lbs
Average yield per plant
5
Plants per person
10 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Sutter County's 267-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Potatoes

Potatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Potatoes Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Sutter County, CA

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest May 20 May 20 – Jul 29

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Sutter County

Growing Tips for Sutter County

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 4 inches deep in spring. Hill soil around stems as plants grow to prevent greening. Stop watering when plants die back.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Squash Summer

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Potatoes in Sutter County, CA?

Sutter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?

Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Potatoes in Sutter County, CA?

In Sutter County, CA, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sutter County, CA for Potatoes?

Sutter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Sutter County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Sutter County's temperate climate. Sutter County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sutter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sutter County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.