Typically it can take about 60 to 90 days for potatoes to grow after planting.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
When to Plant Seed Potatoes
Potatoes do best in full sun.
Generally, potatoes will not grow until the soil temperature has reached at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Warning
Take care not to plant seed potatoes in soil that is too cold or soggy.
This may lead to rot.
Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5acidic to neutral.
However, potatoes are prolific growers and usually adapt to poor soil and climate conditions.
However, many gardeners find that chitting potatoes produces a quicker, slightly larger potato.
Instead, place them in a cool spot with bright light for 2 to 4 weeks.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
This way, the sprouts will grow stocky, sturdy, and dark green.
This process is also called greening.
Do not pile them atop one another.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
you might start this processone month before your outdoor planting date.
Cut the Potatoes (Optional)
You do not need to plant a whole, intact potato.
Seed potatoes can be cut into pieces before planting.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Each piece should have at least one “eye” eacha bud that will sprout into a new plant.
Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the seed potatoes into 2-inch squares.
If you are going to cut them, do it about two days before you plan to plant.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
If your seed potato is smaller than a ping pong ball, though, plant it whole.
Handle the seed potatoes carefully, so the sprouts do not break off or become damaged.
Plant potatoes with the sprouts facing up and cover lightly with soil.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
If you’ve cut the seed potatoes, confirm the cut side is facing down.
Plant in Rows
Potatoes grow best planted in rows spaced 3 feet apart.
Plant the seed potatoes in a trench that is 6 to 8 inches deep.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
Place cut side down, with eyes facing up.
Space the seed potatoes 12 to 15 inches apart.
Fill the trench with 4 inches of soil.
The Spruce / Debbie Wolfe
As the plants grow, add more soil, mounding it up around the plants.
Water Well
Keep potatoes well-watered throughout summer, especially when flowering.
During flowering, the plants begin to create the tubersthe edible potatoes.
Potatoes need 1 to 2 inches of water per week to produce well.
Carefully loosen the potatoes with a garden fork and remove them from the bed.
Here are some ways to ward off things like slugs and potato blight.
Brown spots on your potato leaves could indicate a nutrient deficiency.
Remove the affected foliage and fertilize.
If the browning persists check for pests or diseases.
Any potatoes that have gone soft should be discarded.
Once harvested, you might rotate to medium-hardy root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or turnips.
Low-yielding vegetables such as lettuce and spinach also make good followup crops.
General seed-rots can pose problems in potatoes.
Crop Rotation, UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Potato.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Organic Production and IPM Guide for Potatoes.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension with NY State Department of Agriculture & Markets.
