As we explore the world of potatoes, we often ask ourselves: how long it takes to grow potatoes? The answer isn’t straightforward because different types of potatoes have different growing periods. Whether you want to grow new potatoes, baby potatoes, or full-sized potatoes, each kind of potato requires a specific amount of time to grow.
Seed Potato: The Starting Point
The journey begins with a seed potato. To get your potatoes to grow, choose high-quality seed potatoes, smaller potatoes kept from the previous year’s crop, specifically for planting. Potatoes form under the ground from these seed potatoes.
Early, Mid, and Late-Season Potatoes
Potatoes are classified into early-season potatoes, mid-season potatoes, and late-season potatoes. Each category corresponds to the length of time the potatoes take to grow. Let’s look into how long each season’s potatoes take to grow.
Early Season Potatoes
Early-season potatoes are usually ready for harvest in about 75 to 90 days. These are the potatoes you might harvest as new or baby potatoes. They are small potatoes, the smallest of the harvest, and have thin skin.
Mid-Season Potatoes
Mid-season potatoes, on the other hand, take around 95 to 110 days to grow. They are larger than new potatoes but smaller than full-sized potatoes. They are great for boiling and making salads.
Late Season Potatoes
The late-season potatoes take the longest, about 120 to 135 days, to grow. These potatoes are the large yellow-white potatoes or the popular red-skinned ones we often see. Late-season potatoes are ideal for making chips or for storage.
Growing Conditions: What Do Potatoes Prefer?
Potatoes grow best in a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil. If you’re wondering how long it takes potato plants to grow, remember that conditions affect how quickly they grow. Potatoes prefer cooler weather and start to grow shoots when the soil temperature is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Planting Process
When it comes to planting, it’s crucial to figure out target harvest dates based on the type of potato and growing conditions. You typically plant potatoes in the ground at the base of the plant, around 2-4 weeks before the last expected spring frost.
How Many Potatoes Will One Plant Produce?
The number of potatoes each plant produces depends on the potato type and growing conditions. A healthy potato plant can yield between 3-10 potatoes per plant.
Hilling Potatoes: An Essential Step
One significant step in potato growing is hilling potatoes. This involves adding soil around the base of the plant as the potato plants grow. Hilling protects the tubers from sunlight and helps produce more potatoes per plant.
Signs Your Potatoes Are Ready to Harvest
How can you tell when your potatoes are ready to harvest? A sign that the potatoes are ready for harvest is when the foliage turns yellow and wilts. New potatoes can be harvested a little earlier when the plant begins to flower.
Harvest Time: How to Harvest Potatoes
Harvest time is a crucial stage in the potato growing process. Once the potatoes are ready to harvest, gently dig around the base of the plant. Be careful not to bruise or cut the potatoes during harvest.
Post-Harvest: How to Store Potatoes
After you harvest potatoes, let them dry for a few hours before storing them. Potatoes keep best in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Most potato varieties can last several months when stored properly.
Potatoes Outside and in Your Garden
Whether you are planning to grow your potatoes outside or want to plant some in your garden, potatoes are easy to grow and rewarding. From the smallest new potato to the largest late-season variety, potatoes provide an abundant and versatile harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many varieties of potatoes are available, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular potato varieties include Russet, Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, Fingerling, and Purple Peruvian.
To plant potatoes:
1. Start by selecting healthy seed potatoes.
2. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 2-3 eyes.
3. Plant the seed potato pieces in well-draining soil, approximately 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart.
4. Make sure the eyes are facing upward.
5. Cover the seed potatoes with soil and water thoroughly.
Yes, different varieties of potatoes can have varying growth rates. Some types may mature faster than others, so checking the specific information for the variety you are growing is a good idea.
New potatoes can be harvested when the plants have reached maturity but before the potatoes have fully developed. Carefully dig around the plants and gently remove some of the smaller-sized potatoes, careful not to damage the plant or other potatoes.
You can do a few things to help speed up the growth of potatoes. Providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients is essential. Additionally, planting early-season varieties and properly spacing between plants can encourage faster growth.
After harvesting potatoes, allowing them to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for about 1-2 weeks is important. This drying period helps the potatoes develop tough skin, which extends their storage life.
Potatoes are underground tubers. The plant’s foliage grows above ground, producing underground stems called stolons forming tubers. When you harvest potatoes, you dig them up from beneath the soil.
Potato plants grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They require a sunny location and need regular watering to ensure proper growth. It’s also important to monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to protect the plants.
Conclusion
The time it takes to grow potatoes varies from 75 to 135 days, depending on the type of potato and growing conditions. By understanding the needs of the potato plant and the factors influencing its growth, you can successfully grow and harvest potatoes in your garden.
