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 6b regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 40 cm 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

26 Oct 18, Tony (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Steve and Mike. Your comments much appreciated.
17 Oct 18, Tony (Australia - temperate climate)
As an expat Pom 52 years in South Australia, the only thing I still miss is is traditional "new" potatoes, with thin papery skins that can be removed with a fingernail.. They had a wonderful texture and tasted sensational. Only available in March/April, an annual treat. My question is, is threr a variety available here with these qualities and when would they be planted?
20 Oct 18, Steve (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Tony, Sadly no, there used to be a supplier in SA but I can not find any trace of them now. A couple of things to mention: Kipfler and Pink Fir Apple can be quite similar if grown quickly, secondly the traditional Jersey New and Jersey Mids were certainly grown with massive amounts of fertilizers so I am not sure if that sort of thing is acceptable these days even if they still grow them in Jersey. Cheers from another old Pom
17 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'd suggest you try and find the name of the potato you liked. Then look up potato varieties on the internet. I think most potatoes fresh out of the ground have a thin skin. If you are temperate climate plant Sept Oct and harvest 15-20 weeks later. Try seed selling companies.
07 Oct 18, bennet (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to start potato farming , where can i buy seeds?
29 Oct 18, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, I managed to get some seed potatoes from a local garden center. Even if they don't have any when you visit, it may be worth asking if they can source any for you. I'm not an expert but you may be able to use shop bought potatoes. Leave them to sprout and try!
10 Sep 18, Kashmir Singh (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Which is the best month to plant potatoes in upper north island of New Zealand, please ? Also I understand that the seed potato must be sprouted before it goes in the ground. What is the sprouting procedure please? In a cool dark place or any other suggestions you may have for me. Many thanks.
11 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The north tip of NZ is sub-tropical. Not a lot of difference to temperate. The year monthly calendar says when to plant. It best to plant potatoes that are starting to sprout. Go to a nursery or farm produce place and buy from them. Plant in a furrow and fill the furrow in as they grow and then hill the soil up around the plant.
28 Aug 18, Niresh (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Which area is ideal for potato cultivation and where i can go for the cultivaton over 50acres of land
30 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try the internet for growing potatoes in NZ.
Showing 251 - 260 of 820 comments

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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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