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 USA - Zone 5a 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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24 Nov 23, Christian (USA - Zone 7b climate)
It is because it takes 3 months for Potash to become available in the soil. You always have to plan ahead when you are using Potash or, no matter how much you put on your tater plants they won't be able to access it.
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28 Nov 22, Louise (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it too now too late to plant potatoes on a bag in southern highlands? Cant seem to find seed potatoes will organic do? Thanks
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03 Dec 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check calander at the top of the page
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08 Nov 22, Peter Chapman (Australia - temperate climate)
My potatos have come on very nicely. I just started digging them for new potatoes. Wife did some with parsley garlic and butter - delicious. Now my question is how long can I leave my potatoes in the ground after the tops dry off. We live in a Retirement Village which has lovely large veg plots. We do not have a lot of room to store spuds. Cheers Pete
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10 Nov 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If the soil is fairly dry they could keep for a couple of weeks in the soil. When you dig them up, leave in the sun or a shaded place for 1 or 2 days to toughen the skin a bit then store in a cool dark place.
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06 Sep 22, Neil (Australia - temperate climate)
What are the best eating potato and for storage - Thank you
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08 Sep 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Depends which ones you like and if the potatoes are picked the right time (mature) they will keep in a cool place.
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02 Sep 22, Geri (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Not enough water or not enough nutrients. My guess is water.
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19 Jul 22, dz (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I just read about Determinate and Indeterminate potatoes. Which varieties of Indeterminate potatoes do well in Zone 10A?
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21 Jul 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check on google what varieties are indeterminate and then see if any in your area.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 814 comments
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Doesn't sound right to me. Potato is related to tomato - as the plant grows the potatoes develop up the stem. Best to hill the soil up as it grows but don't cover all the leaves. The leaves are the energy source to grow the potatoes.

- Mike

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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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