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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14 Mar 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 1 long green cattle water trough with a plug for drainage. Have filled it with a mix of soul, compost and chicken manure. I will try and grow on row in that and see how we go. It is hot and humid here so will have to see how it goes. Also have a half small rainwater tank with a good mix of compost and soil and will also try to grow some in that. Fingers crossed.
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05 Mar 16, Alan (Australia - temperate climate)
We grow two crops a year, one through spring & the other through autumn storing them in the garage in a black 50lt container & lid we bought from Bunnings. Don't ever wash them before storage & always keep the lid on so they remain in the dark.
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02 Aug 16, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks, that is helpful. I will try this
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03 Mar 16, EMMANUEL (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
what is the best way of storing potatoes
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01 Mar 16, MOAGI EMMANUEL (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hello, I want to ask what kind of potato seed can grow well in Limpopo area, it is summer rainfall and sometimes temperature rises up to 30 degress
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I personally love Savannah cultivar. Mondial is also good.
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24 Feb 16, Carol (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew my potatoes in bags and pots and 90% died because of heat, humidity and triple rainfall than usual. Next I am trying beds and the no dig method. I'm getting seed potatoes in March and seeing how I go. I'm sticking to sweet potatoes in the hotter months.
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27 Feb 16, John (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
We dhave bought our seed potatoes and will chitting them before planting out in March, Not sure how this equates to the growing season where you are. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/potatoes?type=v
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19 Feb 16, Rikie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
1)What kind of potatoes will grow best in East London, (Eastern Cape)? 2)Where can I buy these seed potatoes as hardware stores do not keep it anymore?
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28 Jan 16, Mary (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I am trying to find a white potato to purchase now. Planting season for potatoes is growing short. Do you sell Zone 10a seed potatoes I may purchase now.
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Showing 461 - 470 of 831 comments
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This is my second year at growing potatoes near Kalgoorlie. Although it gets hot quickly as long as you keep the water up to them they seem to thrive. All I added last year was some blood and bone and a bit of hay for mounding them up. I've got heavy red loam ground here and the first year I grew enormous potatoes but many were derformed from the rocks in the ground. This year I decided to build a raised bed and use a mix of the red loam, potting compost and hay. I didnt plant till late September because of late frosts but already plants are really high and flowering. Unfortunately I didnt keep up with mounding them up as quickly as I should have and maybe they will not produce as many spuds because of this. I have read that you have to keep mounding them so that only one inch of stem is out of the ground. If the main stem becomes too long and exposed to the sun it no longer grows side shoots and spuds - is this true?

- Jan

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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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