Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Potato in USA - Zone 5a 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

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15 May 19, KATIE KERETO FEATHERSTONE (Australia - temperate climate)
I got some old spuds that is started shooting can I plant them now??
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06 Apr 19, benny (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I actually live in the Kingdom of Tonga on the island of Eua this island is subtropical, with an amazing soil profile of rich black soil many metres deep I'm looking for a potato species that is well-suited to grow in these conditions I understand that sweet potato is the mainstay of crops in the Pacific Islands but I am looking for a potato that may be harvested after a shorter growing. than a sweet potato so any ideas,?
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30 Mar 19, NOMFUNDO (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I LIVE IF LADY FRERE, EASTERN CAPE. THIS IS A VER DRY PLACE. CAN I PLANT POTATOES IN HAY IN WINTER? IF SO, SHOULD I WATER THEM IN THE HAY?
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29 Mar 19, Bruce Gillanders (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Which are the indeterminant varieties of potato.
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31 Mar 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have a look at this site www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/determinate-indeterminate-potatoes.htm Or do an online search - lots of articles available.
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20 Mar 19, Donelda (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Do you cover up the green leaves with soil as well as they shoot through or just pile up the soil around the leaves and have the leaves themselves uncovered?
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24 Mar 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have a look at this site https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-earth-up-potatoes/
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09 Jan 19, Girdhari. C (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I’m in south America , Suriname , I’m Looking for a type of potatoes Which can be grown in hot Tropical climate, Has any body an idea for me, Thanks a lot & happy gardening, Greetings Cg.
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10 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Search around on the internet - growing potatoes in Suriname. From similar hot Australia plant 2nd month of Autumn.
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20 Dec 18, Steve (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Is it too cold to grow potatoes @350m above sea level on Mt Taranaki
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Showing 241 - 250 of 830 comments
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Sweet potato farmers here grow sprouts by “bedding” seed potatoes in March. This is done by placing the whole potato in the ground, covering them with a thin layer of soil and plastic. Sprouts will be cut and transplanted from the greenhouse or bedding field to a different field in May or June. It takes approximately 90-120 days without frost to grow a sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are ready to dig 90-120 days after sprouts are transplanted. Around here in August the rows are plowed and sweet potatoes are flipped on top of the ground. Most sweet potatoes are cured. Curing changes starches in the sweet potatoes into sugar, making it sweeter and the skin tougher. It takes 4-7 days of 80-85̊ temperature and 80-90% relative humidity to cure sweet potatoes. After being cured, sweet potatoes are stored at temperatures between 55-60º F and 85% relative humidity. This special storage process is why sweet potatoes are available 365 days a year here in USA. Here in North Carolina, USA sweet potatoes are shipped all over the world. It is one of our largest farmed food crops. I hope this helps... ~Melinda

- Melinda Schwab

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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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