Tropical
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for April, May, June, July, August.
Grow to Eat
When to plant Potato in Australia
A practical climate-by-climate planting calendar plus detailed starting, care, problem and safety guidance.
StartPlant seed potatoesLightFull sunTiming14–20 weeksDifficultyModerate
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Australian planting calendar
Best months by climate
Highlighted months are the usual planting window. A local nursery, seed packet and current weather forecast should take priority over a broad climate calendar.
Subtropical
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August.
Warm temperate
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecWait
Aim for July, August, September, October, November.
Cool temperate
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulWaitAugPlantSepPlantOctPlantNovPlantDecWait
Aim for August, September, October, November.
Mediterranean
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugWaitSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for March, April, May, June, July.
Semi-arid
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprWaitMayWaitJunWaitJulPlantAugWaitSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for July.
Arid
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugWaitSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for March, April, May, June, July.
Start well
Plant potato with confidence
Plant seed potatoes. Prepare the final position first, retain the existing root-ball level and water thoroughly after planting.
- Sowing or planting depth
- Plant at the existing crown or root-ball level unless the label specifies otherwise.
- Germination or establishment
- Not normally started from seed in this guide; establishment speed depends on plant size, season and root condition.
- Spacing
- 30–40 cm
- Soil
- Loose, stone-free soil that drains freely; usually ph 6.0–7.0.
Feeding
Support steady growth
Use mature compost and avoid excessive nitrogen, which can favour leaves over roots.
Water
Keep moisture balanced
Water consistently while roots swell, without leaving the bed waterlogged.
Maintenance
What to do as it grows
Hill soil or mulch around stems as they grow so developing tubers remain covered from light.
Harvest or display
Know when it is ready
14–20 weeks. Readiness varies with variety and weather; use colour, firmness, size and the supplier's maturity notes rather than the calendar alone.
Problems and companions
Keep your patch healthy
Common watch-outs
Watch for aphids, mites, caterpillars and fungal leaf spots. Avoid wetting foliage late in the day and rotate away from other nightshade crops.
Useful neighbours
Basil, parsley, marigold and alyssum can share the bed where spacing allows. Avoid following tomato, potato, capsicum or eggplant in the same soil.
People and pets
Safety note
Green tubers, sprouts and foliage contain harmful glycoalkaloids. Do not eat green potatoes and keep foliage away from pets.
Moving plants
Biosecurity note
Check local weed, invasive-plant and interstate quarantine rules before sharing or moving unfamiliar plant material.
Transparent guidance
How to use this guide
Patch gives a broad Australian starting point, not a guarantee for every variety or garden. Read the Patch methodology and sources, check the latest Bureau of Meteorology climate information, and confirm interstate restrictions through Australian Interstate Quarantine.
Last reviewed 3 September 2026