Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Potato in Australia - cool/mountain 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

15 May 10, Debra (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone know where in West Aus I can get hold of seed potatoes of different varieties? Bunnings usually only has desiree, ruby lou or nicola, and I would like others if possible. Buying the potatoes from stores and letting them shoot is not always as successful as buying the certified seed potatoes (and trying to get the varieties in the shops isn't so easy either). Thanks to anyone who can help.
04 Oct 13, Kevin (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Debra , I am an avid potato grower, I like Ruby Lous personally, But Waldeks here in Perth stock about 10 diff varieties of seed potatoes fHope this helps, I lurvv my spuds :)
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.
Showing 441 - 450 of 563 comments

It depends -- not all potatoes are suitable for towering (layering). Additionally, I have found that the potato plant SPENDS A LOT OF ENERGY GROWING UP, UP, UP, as you cover its leaves with soil (leaves have specialized cells designed to collect light - and why you would want to cover them with soil is beyond me this is not really a good move -- leaves are not roots). My recommendation is: if you have a DEEP PLANTER bag starting at about six inches from the bottom -- in sort of a pattern that looks like the 5 on a die (dice) -- make about 3-4 inch round holes -- and make them on the sides that receive light keeping the holes about 10 inches apart (6 inches away from the bottom and 10 inches away from the top of the bag). Fill the bag with a good soil/compost/manure mix of some kind -- starting from the bottom -- when you are level with a hole, place a seed potato there, level or slight below the bottom lip of the hole, and about 3 inches from the side of the bag (so there is soil between the potato and the hole) -- continue up until the bag is full -- the top layer of potatoes can be planted as usual. Yes, the soil will come out of the holes ... not to worry -- just be sure that the soil covers the topmost holes by at least 6-8inches. That is - each potato planted in the bag should have access to a WINDOW (air and light) OR those planted on the top layer (like a usual planting) should be down about 9 inches or so. The Key to this planting is ALL potatoes need to be able to put leaves somewhere -- they will follow the air and light to find that spot -- all potatoes need water -- so you will be watering from the top of the bag only (like a potted plant) -- but you water DEEPLY, since the water needs to make it to the very bottom potato plants -- so maybe you water every 5 days or so... depends on the soil, temperature, amount of light , amount of wind/air (which whisks moisture away), Additionally, ensure there is drainage at the bottom of the bag .... maybe a two inch hole directly at ground level. It might be better to use a crate of some kind.... rather than a bag...anyhow this set up will work with any kind of potato plant without consideration as to whether or not it can handle towering. Hope this helps. Conversion of inches to cm : 1 inch = 2.5cm

- Celeste Archer

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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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