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

16 May 10, Clive (Australia - temperate climate)
Lena's Nursery in Wanneroo Road, Wangara has Delaware, Royal Blue, Ruby Lou, Norland, Eureka and Kestrel seed from "The Spud Factory" in stock at the moment.
21 Aug 17, Patsy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have potatoes just coming through the top of a no-dig raised bed and they are being eaten off as they come through. Today I could see a multitude on tiny (1mm) little "flies". Maybe Thrips? Is this what is eating my plants, if so how do I control them? Thanks
21 May 10, Jeff (Australia - temperate climate)
Waldecks on Manning Rd had a couple of varieties last weekend, Delaware, and something else I hadn't heard of.
10 May 10, judy hayward (Australia - temperate climate)
hi could you please tell me what is eating my potato plant leaves which is eventually killing them i cant see any grubs i have sprayed with condifor but does not seem to help.thanks and cheers judy
09 May 10, Stuart (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I was wondering if there was another name for sweet potato as it doesn't seem to be in the seed list, thanks
06 Jul 10, Eccles (Australia - temperate climate)
Try "kumera".
03 Jul 10, Tassy Michele (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hiya Stuart, Sweet Potato can also be known as Kumara and sometimes (depending on your cultural background) yams. For further information check Wikipedia. Cheers
20 Apr 10, martin cook (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, im in townsville i had some good yield when i used potatoes sprout im trying to get seeds but im having no luck do you know how i get seeds hear thanks.
11 Apr 10, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
To grow Potatoes in Australia (cooler areas) you should start to prepare your bed now. I plant my potatoes every year when the blossoms start to bud on trees. so around late August/early September You can get seed potatoes from local nurseries or bunning's in the vegetable section. you need alot of sunshine full sun is ideal though part shade is fine..... :) x
31 Mar 10, Pure Organic Oasis (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there Marion, I bought some Sebago seed potatoes yesterday at the garden centre on Moggill Road near the corner of rafting ground road Pullenvale (where the Still Tool Centre is) and the Brookfield Garden Centre tells me that they are getting them in this Thursday also. Best of luck! J
Showing 441 - 450 of 561 comments

I started planting a variety of spuds mid Aug in Melb, normally after frost danger was over. End sept when plants were around 15-20cm high we had severe frosts and plants got badly burned off. Surprisingly, they recovered well only to get hit hard again 3 weeks later, Once again they recovered. I have just started ferretting out a few early spuds and the crop looks like being one of my best ever. Has anyone ever tried reducing leaf growth by removing some of the tops to see the effects on the crop?

- Graham Bower

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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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