Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P              

(Best months for growing Potato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Dig carefully, avoid damaging the potatoes.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
  • Avoid growing close to: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Rosemary

Your comments and tips

02 Feb 17, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can plant a late crop of potatoes in January as long as you have sprouted seed ready. One thing to be wary of is the Psyllid bug as it is active as the weather warms up. There are mesh products available that you drape over the crop and that keeps the bugs off.
21 Dec 16, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
I Live in Portland Victoria And The Temp Changes From Mild To Hot
11 Dec 16, feel (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can you plant potatoes in late summer? and what makes the potatoes get the {soft rot}?
02 Feb 17, Edwin Matebesi (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, When exactly can I plant Potatoes?, Is it posible that I can still plant them in this Period?, I live in Northern cape province-Sub sahara desert. Thanks, Regards
25 Nov 16, jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
can l plant potatoes late November.
27 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Go for it Jenny! There is still plenty of growing time and you could plant them later still. Potatoes can be harvested as 'New' potatoes a month after flowering so even if winter comes early you will still have that 'Old' potatoes are harvested after the tops die down and will keep for longer.
22 Nov 16, Johan Hugo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy seed potatos in Johannesburg?
02 Nov 16, ken barker (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ive tried to grow potatoes twice, but tiny and not many. I have very little sun in yard. Is this the problem? Grow them in containers
30 Dec 16, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
It sounds like they have been planted too close together
22 Oct 16, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
When the potatoes are about 6 weeks from planting and are doing well and are about 30cm high, do I trim off the lower leaves before banking up. Next question is.............as I have a lot of 10 litre plastic drums, if I cut the bottom out of these, can I put them over the plant and start to 'Bank-up' inside them.
Showing 411 - 420 of 820 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Potato

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.