Growing Potatoes in Zone 9B

Potatoes are one of the most productive crops per square foot. Easy to grow and incredibly satisfying to harvest.

Zone 9B has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

Top Growing Tips

• Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-4 weeks before last frost
• Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase tuber production
• New potatoes can be harvested early; full-size after vines die back
• Green skin means solanine — don’t eat green potatoes
• Rotate planting location yearly to prevent disease

Companion Planting

Good companions: beans, corn, cabbage, horseradish, marigolds

Avoid planting near: tomatoes, squash, sunflowers (disease transfer)

Harvest Timeline

70-120 days depending on variety

About Zone 9B

USDA Hardiness Zone 9B has an average last spring frost around Feb 15 and first fall frost around Dec 10. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.