Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Potato in USA - Zone 8b 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

18 Jul 18, Deb Smith (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Can we grow tomatoes in early August in Zone 7 to harvest by Thanksgiving?
23 Jun 18, JAI (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Can I have a 2nd planting of seed potatoes in very late/early July in containers?
04 Mar 18, Daniel Etheridge (USA - Zone 8b climate)
when is the Correct time to plant Sweet Potatoes in (zone 8b) ?. apple California 92308
14 Jul 16, Selma (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Is it to late In the season to start potatoes in zone 10b?
28 Jan 16, Mary (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I am trying to find a white potato to purchase now. Planting season for potatoes is growing short. Do you sell Zone 10a seed potatoes I may purchase now.
17 Jul 16, Linda (USA - Zone 7a climate)
You can just buy organic potatoes at the grocery store. I've done that many times with good results.
25 Jan 13, Donna (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Can sweet potatoes grow successfully in my area?
Showing 61 - 67 of 67 comments

Are you looking for SWEET potatoes or regular potatoes ..... I think your climate is better suited for Sweet potatoes -- they are different (different families) and therefore have different instructions: The ideal soil temperature range for planting potatoes is 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius). After planting, the ideal temperature for growing potatoes is 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 21 degrees Celsius). Potatoes do best in fertile, well-drained soils. However, potatoes will grow in many types of soils. Soils that are poorly drained tend to produce poorly shaped potatoes and tuber rot. Potatoes do well across a wide range of pH, but prefer slightly acidic soils; a soil pH of 5.3 to 6.0 is typical for potato production. If your soil is more acidic than this, mixing in wood ash will help raise the pH and make your soil more alkaline. Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are close cousins of morning glory and only distantly related to traditional potatoes. They are tender, so must be protected from frost, and like heat, full sun and regular watering. They crop best at temperatures of 21–26°C (70–80°F) PLEASE CLARIFY which type of potato.

- Faith Celeste Archer

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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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