Garden Help > Vegetables

UC Links

How to grow

Potatoes, UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center

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.