With a promising U.S. potato production of 441 million cwt (hundredweight), a 10% increase from last year,1 both farmers and home gardeners are eager to get the most out of their potato harvest.
However, harvesting potatoes at the optimal time is key for realizing this potential. Many common mistakes can lead to undersized or spoiled potatoes, significantly impacting the harvest.
When to Harvest Potatoes from Your Garden
The ideal time to harvest potatoes from your garden depends on a few factors, including the desired potato type, the variety planted, and the growing conditions.
Types of Potatoes to Harvest
- New Potatoes (Baby Potatoes): These are young, immature potatoes with thin skin and a sweet flavor. They are harvested about two to three weeks after the plants finish flowering. New potatoes do not store well and should be consumed soon after harvest.
- Mature Potatoes: These are fully grown potatoes with thicker skin, perfect for storing. Mature potatoes are harvested when the plants’ foliage has completely died back, usually two to three weeks after the foliage turns yellow and begins to wither.
Harvesting Time Based on Variety
- Early-season varieties: Ready to harvest in 60-80 days.
- Mid-season varieties: Mature in 80-100 days.
- Late-season varieties: Ready for harvest in 100-130 days.
Signs Your Potatoes are Ready to Harvest
- Dead Foliage: The most obvious sign that potatoes are ready for harvest is when the foliage turns yellow, dries up, and dies back completely. This indicates that the plant has finished growing and the tubers are mature.
- Skin Test: Dig up a test potato and gently rub its skin. If the skin rubs off easily, the potatoes are new potatoes and can be harvested. If the skin is firm and doesn’t rub off easily, the potatoes are mature and ready for storage.
- Calendar: Keep track of when you planted your potatoes and consult the information on the seed packet or variety description to determine the estimated maturity date. This can give you a general idea of when to start checking for signs of readiness.
Harvesting Potatoes
Harvesting potatoes is a rewarding experience for any gardener.
Knowing the right time and techniques can ensure a bountiful harvest and delicious potatoes.
The optimal harvest time for potatoes depends on whether you want new potatoes or mature potatoes and the specific potato variety you are growing.
- New Potatoes (Baby Potatoes): Harvest two to three weeks after flowering finishes.
- Mature Potatoes: Harvest when foliage has died back completely (usually two to three weeks after it begins to yellow and wither).
How to Harvest
- Once the foliage starts to die back, stop watering the plants to help the tubers’ skins thicken.
- Choose a dry day for harvesting to make it easier to clean and cure the potatoes.
- Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully loosen the soil around the plants without damaging the tubers.
- Gently lift the plants and carefully dig up the potatoes.
- Handle the potatoes gently to avoid bruising or damaging the skin.
- Sort the potatoes by size and remove any damaged or diseased tubers.
- Store the potatoes in a breathable container, such as a burlap sack or a cardboard box with holes.
- For new potatoes, consume soon after harvest. For mature potatoes, cure in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for about two weeks before storing in a cool, dark, and humid environment.
Growing Potato Varieties
Growing different potato varieties can be a fun and rewarding experience for gardeners. It allows you to explore diverse flavors, textures, colors, and culinary uses while catering to specific growing conditions and personal preferences.
Some popular potato varieties to consider include:
- Russet Burbank: The classic baking potato with high starch content and fluffy texture.
- Yukon Gold: Versatile all-purpose potato with a buttery flavor and yellow flesh.
- Red Pontiac: Waxy potato with red skin and white flesh, ideal for boiling and roasting.
- Kennebec: All-purpose white potato with excellent storage potential.
- Fingerling: Small, elongated potatoes with various colors and flavors.
Research specific varieties suitable for your growing region and consider your personal preferences when selecting potatoes for your garden. With so many options available, you can grow a diverse and delicious potato harvest.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.