Potatoes

Garden Help > Vegetables

UC Links

Photo: UC, Jack Kelly Clark

Pest management: Potato cultural tips, pests, and diseases

The Basics

When to plant: February–April (possibly May)

Harvest window

• Potatoes usually mature 90–120 days after planting (depending on the variety).
• You can harvest a few at a time and leave the rest until you are ready to eat them. When you "rob" potatoes—for smaller, more tender new potatoes—be careful not to damage the plant.
• Harvest remaining potatoes when the plants wilt and turn brown.

Care overview

• As the plants grow, mound the soil around the plants until at least 6 inches of the plants are covered.
• Maintain soil cover for tubers as they expand. Tubers exposed to light may have bitter-tasting green areas and should not be eaten.
• Potatoes are sensitive to soil moisture. Maintain a consistent soil moisture as much as possible.

More links

• Growing Potatoes Organically, Basics From Seed To Storage 

Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Bintje, Caribe, Rose Finn Apple, Yukon Gold

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.