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

20 Oct 16, mpumelelo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi i like to know if it good plant potatos in kzn without eny fetilizer
29 Aug 16, fourie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
when to plant potatos in south namibia
20 Aug 16, thulani s Nene (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I'm at Hlabisa KZN South Africa i need to know in which month can i grow potatoes
20 Aug 16, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Yes it encourages the plant to channel its energy on growing the tubers instead of the flower . Regards
19 Aug 16, moira (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I find. Potato tubers or seedlings in the western cape please.
16 Aug 16, Phillip (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
best way of growing potatoes in region and what cultivar to use - Mpumalanga lowveld area
14 Aug 16, ricky (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Were can I get seed potatoes in Gauteng
30 Aug 16, Avril (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I got mine from Livingseeds online store
10 Aug 16, Charlien (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi there,I have heard that one needs to pinch off the flowers in order for it too grow... How big does the shoot need to be before adding more sole and mush to the potatoes..... Kind Regards Charlien
23 May 16, I live in cape town where would I get seeded potatos (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I live in cape town I want to grow potatos indoors as its almost winter can I and how to maintain and keep it growing?thanks
Showing 61 - 70 of 107 comments

I live in Southern California Zone 10A and grow potatoes year-round in bags and containers, anywhere from 5 to 15 gallons size. I have found what works well for me is to put about 4-6 inches of good soil in the container, lay a few seed potatoes on top so the slips are pointed up, about 12 inches apart, then cover them with about 4-6 inches of soil, and water moderately or they will rot. These potatoes will only produce new tubers in the soil about 6-12 inches above the original seed potatoes, so when the plants are about a foot above the soil, if I have any new add seed potatoes and the container has enough room, when I add more soil I may consider adding a few more seed potatoes that will produce "baby potatoes" above the older tubers, then cover them with another 6 inches of soil that will also bury more of the new growth of the first seed potatoes. Doing this stimulates more growth, and I may even add even more soil as the plants get taller depending on the depth of the container. I don't always add the second layer of seed potatoes, but doing this produces a few larger potatoes below (Baked Potatoes!) and a lot of smaller potatoes above them, and they are all excellent eating. I am growing Russet, Golden, and Red potatoes in containers, but I think they are all determinant varieties since they are all started from potatoes purchased in grocery stores, and each plant only produces tubers in the area near the seed potato, but do not continue to produce tubers as the plants get taller no matter how much more soil is added. I am still learning as I go, such as "location, location, location!" is making a noticeable difference on how successful my efforts are, and I would like to find an indeterminant variety potato that will grow well in Zone 10A.

- 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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