Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Potato in Australia - temperate 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
02 Dec 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The plant will start to die in about 4 months' time Pick them then. Read the notes here.
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17 Jul 24, Clifford Slater (USA - Zone 8a climate)
What potatoes can you grow in zone 8a in july/Aug.
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20 Jul 24, Janene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I’ve seen these potato varieties recommended online for zone 8 Irish Cobbler Red Pontiac Yukon Gold Caribe Cranberry Red Norchip Kennebec
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14 Jun 24, Maseven makhunga (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want advice because it my first time to plant the potatoes
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17 Jun 24, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Go summer rainfall and read all about what is required. Also google a lot about growing in your climate zone.
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06 May 24, Etta (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Best potatoes for zone 8b And when should they be planted. Ate buying potatoes online an ok idea?
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09 Jun 24, dan (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Etta, Peaceful Valley in Central Calif. is a good place. Although, there may be a place closer to you. Homestead and Chill has articles and other potato resources and advice; they're good people and they have a cat named Badger. [dry humor emoji] This website has the months suggested on 'when' to plant. Dan
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21 Mar 24, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
Its late March and I am on the NSW Central Coast. My seed potatoes from last year have well and truly sprouted. I have planted a dozen or so, and realising that it is very early, I am curious to see what sort of yeild I will get. Anyone have any advice, or experience with planting spuds so early? Cheers Pete.
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29 Mar 24, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
When I harvest potatoes, if I don't get all the potatoes up properly -- then potatoes will grow the following year -- and we get temperatures down to about -10c overnight in the winter here -- and lots of rain in fall..... I actually find it difficult to rid an area of potatoes (in case I want to grow something else there) --- so to me, planting a bit early should not be an issue at all.
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25 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They should produce a good crop if looked after properly. All seasons vary to some degrees -late maybe early.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 831 comments
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Teashy, potatoes often resprout after a shock like that, have faith, and they could be okay. In my climate, they often get frosted off completely, but then come back from the dead. Mary, potatoes have a really hard time in the tropics/sub tropics. I think there will be some years when there is just too much against them. This year seems to be a bit hotter than normal, so maybe they have a few too many bugs this year, combined with the unusual heat, it could just be a year to concentrate on other crops. If you plant them in the shade, they will do a lot better. It isn't too late to plant some fresh ones, and don't put them in direct sunlight. They are quite tenacious, and will grow in quite low light. The reason they didn't develop more taters is, as you rightly point out, that they just didn't have the time to grow to their full potential.

- adam synnott

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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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