Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Potato in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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

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20 Feb 21, Gerrie (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can we plant patatoes in march in limpopo in south africa? We have irregation. Which cultvar? We didt get any frost. Thanks...
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22 Feb 21, Anonymous (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Work out your climate zone from the BLUE TAB and then check the planting calendar for potatoes for your zone.
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04 Jun 20, Pastor Dennis Naidoo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
HI I want to plant some UTD Potatoes in my back yard. Where can i buy seed potatoes and which month will be good to plant them. I live in KZN Richards Bay Regards Dennis
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19 Jul 20, Astrid (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Have a look at https://livingseeds.co.za/potatoes - they sell seed potatoes and ship to anywhere in SA (at the right time of the year). They always stock standard coloured potatoes as well as occasionally some novel heirloom ones. Also on that page is a link with guidance on growing potatoes. Pre-orders are opening soon, shipping is early August ready for you to plant.
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05 Jun 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You need to work out your climate zone from the BLUE CLIMATE ZONE TAB at the top of the page. Then check when to plant. Buy from seed selling websites, nursery, farmer produce store, hardware & gardening stores.
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27 Apr 20, Shirley (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
When growing potatoes what fertilizer does one use
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28 Apr 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Just look for a general all round gardening fertiliser. If you look at all the fertilisers for different crops there is not a big difference in the NPK of them. Depending on your soil 8-12N, 3-6P, 3-6K. I read of fertilisers like 10, 10, 10, and 8, 8, 8. I don't know where you buy them (USA stores?).
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10 Apr 20, George Linos (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi, I'm located in South Africa, Gauteng province in the town of Boksburg (near OR Tambo International airport. Is it possible to plant potatoes here early April to grow through winter? We dont have snow and rarely have frost? Regards
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14 Apr 20, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
The guide here says Jan to March - it is now April. I suggest you plant ASAP.
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29 Mar 20, Mkhacani (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy the seeds; iam in Giyani What time to plant temperature is +_32 degrees
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Showing 11 - 20 of 105 comments
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How long should my Potatoes take to grow? I have just tried to dig up one plant and the potatoes are still really tiny so obviously not ready yet. How do I tell when to dig them up? Should I be fertilising and if so with what? Thanks

- Lynda Rice

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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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