Growing Guide: Potatoes
Grow and Save Potatoes
Seed Savers Exchange does not currently sell potato seed, tubers, or potato plants but offers dozens of varieties on The Exchange.
How to Grow Potatoes
This versatile crop originated in South America centuries ago and today ranks as the most popular vegetable in the United States. Cool-season vegetables, potatoes come in a great range of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures and are most often grown from small tubers known as “seed potatoes”.
Time of Planting
Sow potatoes outdoors 2-3 weeks after your last frost.
Spacing Requirements
Tubers should be planted at a depth of 6-8 inches and between 1 and 2 feet apart. Rows should be spaced 3 feet apart. Plant each piece of potato cut side down, with the eyes pointing up.
Time to Germination
Germination typically occurs between 14 and 28 days.
Special Considerations
A week or two before your planting date, set your seed potatoes in an area where they will be exposed to light and temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit to begin the sprouting process. Potatoes smaller than a golf ball can be planted whole. For larger potatoes: 1-2 days before planting, use a sharp, clean knife to slice into pieces approximately 2 inches square, each containing at least 1 or 2 eyes. In a day or so, thick calluses will form over the cuts, which will help prevent rotting.
Plant tubers in light, loose, and well-drained soil in full sun. Potatoes do well when planted in a 6-8 inch trench, covered with 4 inches of soil. Continue to cover with soil as the plants grow, “hilling” them as they grow.
Potatoes can tolerate a light frost; however, they will need protection if a hard, late-season freeze occurs. Keep potato vines watered—about one to two inches of water or rain per week—throughout the summer, especially during the period when the plants are flowering and immediately following the flowering stage. When the foliage turns yellow and begins to die back, discontinue watering.
Common Pests and Diseases
Potatoes are very susceptible to viruses. Always choose a planting site with good airflow and leave the recommended space between plants. Potatoes should be rotated in the garden, never being grown in the same spot until there has been a 3 to 4-year absence of the crop. Crop rotation will help to prevent a buildup of disease, and will avoid infected plants springing up undetected from potato tubers that were missed during a previous year’s harvest.
When and How to Harvest for Food Consumption
Harvest baby potatoes 2-3 weeks after the plants have finished flowering. Gently dig around the plants to remove potatoes for fresh eating, being careful not to be too intrusive. Remove the biggest new potatoes and leave the smaller ones in place so they can continue to grow.
Eating
A culinary staple, potatoes can be boiled, mashed, sautéed, fried, and cooked au gratin.
Storing
Store potatoes in a well-ventilated, dark, and cool area in temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees F. Some varieties keep better than others, with varieties like Carola and Russets being exceptional keepers.
How to Save Potato Tubers for Seed Stock
Home gardeners can save potato tubers each year for several generations. Save the very best potatoes for planting. You may find that after several years the size begins to decrease; this is typical. Potatoes are very susceptible to viruses. If you are looking for maximum yields, it is best to start with fresh, USDA Certified Seed Stock every year.