Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
60-80 (Spring/Summer), 70-90 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Half Hardy

Potatoes are native to tropical mountains and prefer fairly cool (below 70˚ F), dry weather. They can't stand any frost and don't like cold weather.

Crops
Spring, Fall
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
Early
Growing Conditions
Cool

Potatoes are native to tropical mountains and are easiest to grow in cool (below 70˚ F) dry weather. They can't stand any frost and don't like cold weather. They are grown in mild winter areas, with few frosts, in late fall or early spring.

Potatoes don't do well in hot weather either. Soil temperatures above 70˚ F inhibit tuber formation and it stops altogether at 85˚ F. In hot summer areas, they are usually grown as a spring or fall crop.

Outdoor Growing Temp
45°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

A temperature of 60 to 65˚ F is said to be optimal for tuber formation, which slows down at temperatures above 70˚ F.

Start Indoors
No
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Water
Moderate

It is important to keep the soil evenly moist (but not wet) for best growth, as lack of water results in smaller tubers. It is also important to water uniformly, making sure it penetrates through the dense foliage and down to the full root depth (or at least the top 12 inches where the greatest proportion of roots are found).

Feeder
Heavy

Potatoes can grow in most soils, but will be more productive in a moisture retentive and fertile one. Although nitrogen is important, too much can cause abundant top growth and fewer tubers. Potatoes need a good supply of phosphorous, from bone meal or colloidal phosphate. The most important primary nutrient for potatoes is potassium, which will increase yield, improve quality and hasten maturation. It is especially important during the time when the tubers are forming. Potassium can be added by including wood ash in the soil, although it may also increase the acidity.

Suitability
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Potatoes have been grown in a wide variety of containers, from half wine barrels to plastic bags.

Garbage can or half wine barrel: Obtain a large garbage can, put drainage holes in the bottom and fill it with a foot of really good compost. Plant one large seed potato in the soil. As the plant grows, slowly fill the can with more fine compost. The most important thing is to water carefully; too much or too little water will cause problems. With a little luck the end result will be one very large plant, completely filling the whole can with tubers. When the plant dies back, empty out the can and collect the tubers.

Plastic bag: Put some holes in the bottom of a plastic bag (for drainage) and half fill it with a mix of 1/3 compost, 1/3 good garden soil and 1/3 sand (or 1/2 sandy soil and 1/2 compost). Then plant two sprouted potatoes in the bag, and add water. As the plants grow you fill the bag with more soil / compost mix.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Light Yellow
Fruit Size
3.0-4.0"
Plant Height
24.0-36.0"
Plant Diameter
18.0-24.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Buttery, creamy, rich.