How to Grow Potato

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Potato is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Potato is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the potato page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Red Pontiac, Heat-tolerant red, widely grown in FL (local seed potato suppliers)
• Yukon Gold, Versatile yellow flesh (local seed potato suppliers)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 30 cm (12 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 10 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 8 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 50cm+ deep (hessian bag or potato bag).

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids, Wireworm, Loopers and 28-spotted ladybird. In humid regions, Early blight and Late blight can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Potato is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant potato where you garden.

See also: Potato in the plant library →

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