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 Australia - tropical 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

10 Mar 17, Wendy (Australia - temperate climate)
Can a potatoes be grown in self wicking containers or would they get too damp?
12 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Potatoes can be grown in wicking beds. If the beds are set up correctly they will only 'wick' the water that they need.
22 Feb 17, kishore (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live in Australia-Sydney. I want to grow second crop of potatoes. How can I do that and where can I get the seed potatoes for second crop during Dec-January? Thanks
23 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You could certainly grow another crop of potatoes in Sydney. Unless you were a commercial grower it would be difficult to find'certified' seed potatoes at this time of the year. You could plant small potatoes from a shop. Leave them on a bench and let the 'eyes' start to sprout before planting. Do not plant them in the same spot you have just grown tomatoes, capsicums or potatoes as you don't want or need soil-born viruses transmitted.. 'Certified' seed potatoes are grown in tested, virus-free soil before being packaged and sold. 'New' potatoes can be harvested about a month after flowering and 'old' potatoes when the tops die off. All the best.
20 Jan 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thank you Sandra re my question as to whether seed potatoes can still be planted in January where I live in the Dandenong Ranges Melbourne. I will give it a go then if you have successfully planted for three years. Happy Gardening. Heather.
09 Jan 17, heather (Australia - temperate climate)
Could you kindly please advise me if seed potatoes can be planted up until the end of January, I know they recommend from August when danger of frost has passed but unsure whether January is still suitable. I thank you for your reply.
17 Jan 17, sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Heather, I am still planting and growing seed potatoes in the Adelaide hills. Growth atm is rampant, and yes I have bandicooted a few little ones also. I just plant in a 2 metre square, and cover with soil, throw what seedless weeds I have into the plot and then cover again with soil and straw. Not had a problem yet with January being too late in the year and been growing them like this for 3 years.
16 Jan 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We seem to have potatoes coming up for most of the year. You should still be safe to plant now even if you only get 'new' potatoes. New potatoes are ready about a month after flowering has finished. The skins rub off easily on new potatoes but won't on old or fully ripe potatoes. Trust this helps
21 Dec 16, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
I Live in Portland Victoria And The Temp Changes From Mild To Hot
25 Nov 16, jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
can l plant potatoes late November.
Showing 221 - 230 of 561 comments

I am noticing coppery (pearlescent brownish) marking on the leaves of otherwise healthy looking potato plants, planted in potato grow bags. I've been monitoring the soil temperature and it had reached 30C until I placed cardboard and bubblewrap insulation over the black fabric bags. It is currently mid-August. I'm in Brisbane. The coppery leaf markings surround the veins rather than being on the fringes of the leaves. The markings do not look like the brown/black spots of wilt. Any thoughts from you potato growers out there??

- Irene Bollerman

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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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