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Plant Care
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Steve Brigham
Plant Care Guide
Solanum tuberosum

Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

White PotatoIrish PotatoGarden PotatoEdible Potato

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

There are many different varieties of potatoes available for growing by the home gardener, and you will be amazed at how good potatoes you grow yourself taste compared to the store-bought product. In Southern California's mild coastal climates, potatoes may be planted from January through May for spring to fall harvest, and you can even try planting in early fall for a winter harvest. The main thing to remember is that potatoes like loose soil, don't like excessive heat, and need even moisture (but never soggy soil) throughout the growing season. Whether you grow potatoes in the ground, in half-barrels, or even in stacks of tires, they produce best if you mound loose soil around the plant stems as they grow. For healthy plants and a good harvest, it is important to plant only certified "seed" potatoes that you buy from nurseries or specialty growers (rather than store-bought potatoes, which often produce poor crops).

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

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Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Buy only certified "seed" potatoes, either from local nurseries or by mail from specialty growers.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

January
Plant "seed" potatoes whole (if they are small), or cut into 2" pieces, making sure each piece has at least two "eyes". Let cut pieces callus over for a day or two before planting. Plant each piece 2" deep and 1' apart in full sun in rich, loose, well-drained soil that has been amended with composted manure or other organic amendment and 5-10-10 fertilizer. As plants grow, mound new loose soil around the main stems, which will protect developing potatoes from sun.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
Fertilize potatoes by mixing a 5-10-10 plant food in with the soil when you plant. Side-dress with a light application of 5-10-10 fertilizer monthly after planting, watering in well.

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
Water regularly and consistently throughout the growing season as needed.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

January
Protect young plants from heavy frosts, should they occur.

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

January
Harvest "new" potatoes 2 to 3 weeks after plants start blooming. Harvest mature potatoes after plants have turned brown.

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?