How Many Potatoes Do You Get Per Plant?

The number of potatoes you get per plant depends on the type of potato, growing conditions, and how well the plants are cared for. While exact numbers vary, there are reliable averages that UK gardeners can expect.

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Average Potato Yield Per Plant

On average, one healthy potato plant produces:

• 6–12 potatoes per plant

This is a general guide, with some varieties producing fewer large potatoes and others producing many smaller ones.

Yields by Potato Type

First Early Potatoes

First earlies are harvested young and produce smaller crops.

• Average yield: 6–10 potatoes per plant
• Potato size: Small to medium
• Harvest time: Early (new potatoes)

Examples include Arran Pilot, Rocket, Swift, and Casablanca.

Second Early Potatoes

Second earlies produce slightly larger crops than first earlies.

• Average yield: 8–12 potatoes per plant
• Potato size: Medium
• Harvest time: Early summer

Examples include Charlotte, Wilja, Nadine, and Kestrel.

Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes produce the largest harvests.

• Average yield: 10–20 potatoes per plant
• Potato size: Medium to large
• Harvest time: Late summer to autumn

Examples include Maris Piper, King Edward, Cara, Sarpo Mira, and Valor.

Weight Yield Per Plant

Another useful way to measure yield is by weight:

• First earlies: 0.5–1 kg per plant
• Second earlies: 1–1.5 kg per plant
• Maincrop: 1.5–3 kg per plant

High-yielding varieties and good conditions can exceed these averages.

What Affects How Many Potatoes You Get?

Variety Choice

Some varieties are bred for:

• Fewer, larger potatoes
• Many medium-sized potatoes
• Heavy yields for storage

Blight-resistant and vigorous varieties often produce more reliably.

Soil Quality

Potatoes grow best in:

• Loose, fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil rich in organic matter

Poor or compacted soil reduces yields.

Spacing

Correct spacing allows tubers to develop fully.

• Crowded plants = fewer, smaller potatoes
• Proper spacing = higher total yield

Watering

Consistent moisture is critical:

• Dry soil reduces tuber formation
• Overwatering can cause rot

Water most during flowering and tuber development.

Earthing Up

Regular earthing up:

• Protects tubers from light
• Encourages better yields
• Prevents greening

Growing Time

Leaving potatoes in the ground longer:

• Increases tuber size
• Improves yields (especially maincrop)

Early harvesting reduces total numbers.

Container vs Ground Yields

• In the ground: Highest yields
• Raised beds: Very good yields
• Containers: Slightly lower yields but still productive

Container-grown plants often produce fewer potatoes but are easier to manage.

How Many Potatoes for a Family?

As a rough guide:

• 1 plant = 2–3 meals (depending on variety and use)
• 10 plants = 10–20 kg of potatoes
• 30–40 plants can supply a family for several months

Maincrop varieties are best for bulk growing and storage.

Can You Increase Yield Per Plant?

Yes. To maximise yield:

• Choose high-yielding varieties
• Improve soil with compost
• Plant at correct depth and spacing
• Water consistently
• Earth up properly
• Harvest at full maturity

Why Some Plants Produce Fewer Potatoes

Low yields can be caused by:

• Poor soil
• Drought stress
• Crowding
• Early harvesting
• Disease or pests

Fixing these issues often improves results the following season.

Quick Summary

• Average: 6–12 potatoes per plant
• First earlies: 6–10
• Second earlies: 8–12
• Maincrop: 10–20
• Best yields: Maincrop varieties in good soil

Final Tip

If your goal is quantity, grow maincrop potatoes and give them space and time. If you want early, fresh potatoes, expect smaller yields but unbeatable flavour.