Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
        P P P          

(Best months for growing Potato in Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Dig carefully, avoid damaging the potatoes.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
  • Avoid growing close to: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Rosemary

Your comments and tips

13 May 22, Kathy Blackburn (USA - Zone 7b climate)
What sweet potato is good for zone 7b Long Island NY
18 May 22, anonymous (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Probably any.
27 Apr 22, Lynne Mortensen (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had some sprouting potatoes given to me. Can I plant them now? If not, will they keep to August?
02 May 22, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes plant them now.
25 Apr 22, Tania Santamaria (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, can you advise on a first early potato to plant. I can only seem to find mid or late varieties when I goggle. Thanks. I am moving to NSW Bega valley area in June.
26 Apr 22, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
Your planting guide is Aug to Oct so I don't really see the point in an early variety. Planting is about soil temperature and after the likelyhood of frosts.
23 Apr 22, Dionne Dixon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have to say that potatoes also grow amazingly well with parsley. They seem to be great companions.
08 Nov 22, Peter Chapman (Australia - temperate climate)
They also taste amazing with parsley garlic and butter.
30 Mar 22, Lee Patterson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Taree, Mid North Coast, NSW. I have Potato Bags ready for planting and would like to know when is the right time for me to plant. Also, when do potato seedlings go on sale. Thank you.
31 Mar 22, Gary Hall (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Lee I'm from Wauchope and the Potato season is August, September and october you can get seed potato from Bunnings in the Gardening section in Taree if not try one of the rural centre's in Taree hope this helps.
Showing 61 - 70 of 818 comments

Neig, the potatoes you planted were probably determinant, which means they will only produce tubers for a limited space even if the green growth continues and you keep burying it as it gets taller. That is what I discovered when I tried to grow in potato bags that are 17" tall, 13" in diameter. I used store bought potatoes and used any that started sprouting as seed potatoes, and began with 6" of soil, put seed potatoes on top, added another 6" of soil, and when the tops got about 8" above the soil, I kept added soil as they grew, thinking the plant would produce more tubers above the original layer, but none have ever done so, so I think all my russet, golden, and red potatoes originally purchased from stores are all determinant varieties. If anyone knows of any indeterminant varieties suitable for container gardening in Zone 10A, please post.

- dz

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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