Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Potato in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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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01 Apr 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Buy from a nursery, farm produce agency, seed selling online store. Some hardware/garden store might have them.
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30 Mar 20, Another gardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Read the notes here the info is all there. One thing they say is to plant Aug/Sept etc, same as where I live in Australia. But here they plant April/May and also in Aug Sept.
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18 Jun 19, Nox (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How do I make my potatoes carry more. I intend planting in September
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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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07 Oct 18, bennet (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to start potato farming , where can i buy seeds?
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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!
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24 Jul 18, Lukanyo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is there any difference in size with seedlings during planting
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12 Apr 18, Rachel (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
good day please could u help we have a probem with the potatoes we planted and i dont know how to solve the problem. is there someone that can contact me and give me advise
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07 Apr 18, Makhosini Mdluli (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi. Is it recommended to plant potatoes in Tyres here in SA (Gauteng)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 105 comments
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When looking at your growing seeds/plants this may help you figure out what is going on: Analyze the flower: Anther can be Red, blue or yellow/white. For Red or Blue Anthers: Red Anther, red skinned potato. Blue Anther, blue skin. The petals of the flower tell you the flesh colour: Red petals, red flesh, blue petals indicate blue flesh, yellow/white petals indicate yellow or white flesh For Yellow/white Anthers: you have yellow white flesh and the petal tell you the skin colour. It should be noted that red is actually more like magenta, and blue is more like lavender or violet; the experts call them red or blue; because your looking for the presence of red or blue which will indicate the presence of red or blue in the tuber. Also saturation of the colour varies from light speckling to deep saturation.

- 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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