How to Grow Potatoes: Planting, Hilling, Harvest and Storage

Potatoes are one of the most productive crops you can grow: a single seed potato can give 1–2 kg (2–4 lb) of tubers. Plant certified seed potatoes in cool spring soil, hill soil around the stems as they grow, keep the soil evenly moist, and harvest new potatoes in early summer or main-crop potatoes after the foliage dies back.

Choosing Seed Potatoes

Buy certified, disease-free seed potatoes rather than supermarket potatoes, which may carry diseases or be treated to stop sprouting. Choose early varieties (ready in 60–90 days) for new potatoes and main-crop varieties (100–130 days) for storage.

Chitting and Cutting

"Chit" (pre-sprout) seed potatoes in a bright, cool place for 3–6 weeks before planting. Large tubers can be cut into pieces of about 40–60 g (1.5–2 oz), each with at least two eyes; let cut pieces dry for a day or two.

When to Plant

Plant when the soil reaches about 7–10 °C (45–50 °F), usually 2–4 weeks before the last spring frost. In warm zones (8–10), potatoes are also planted in late summer or autumn for a winter crop.

Planting and Hilling

Plant 10 cm (4 in) deep, 30 cm (12 in) apart, in rows 60–75 cm (24–30 in) apart. When shoots reach 15–20 cm, pull soil up around the stems, leaving the top few leaves exposed; repeat 2–3 times. Hilling prevents green tubers and increases yield.

Feeding and Watering

Potatoes need fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Work in compost and a balanced fertilizer at planting. Water about 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) a week, especially from flowering onward when tubers form.

Harvest and Storage

Dig new potatoes when plants flower. For storage potatoes, cut or wait for foliage to die back, leave tubers in the ground 2 weeks to toughen skins, then dig, cure and store in the dark at 4–7 °C (40–45 °F).

All Potato Growing Guides

• When to plant potatoes by zone
• Seed potatoes and chitting
• Planting and hilling potatoes
• When to harvest potatoes
• How to store potatoes
• Why potatoes are small
• Potato fertilizer
• Potato blight and diseases
• Colorado potato beetle and pests

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do potatoes take to grow?

About 60–90 days for early varieties and 100–130 days for main-crop varieties.

Can I plant potatoes from the store?

They may grow, but certified seed potatoes are healthier and more reliable.

How many potatoes does one plant produce?

Typically 5–10 tubers, roughly 1–2 kg (2–4 lb).

Can you grow potatoes in containers?

Yes, in bags, buckets or bins of at least 40 litres (10 gallons).