How to Grow Potatoes: Tips, Facts, and Information

Potatoes are one of the most popular and versatile vegetables grown worldwide, loved for their ability to be transformed into various delicious dishes—whether mashed, roasted, baked, or fried. Growing potatoes at home is easier than you might think, and there are numerous varieties to choose from, each with unique flavors and uses. Potatoes thrive in cool weather and can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or even containers. Here’s a guide to the top 20 potato varieties, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Potato Varieties to Grow

1. Russet Burbank

Tips: Russet Burbank prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant seed potatoes in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: Known for its thick, brown skin and fluffy texture, this variety is ideal for baking, frying, and making fluffy mashed potatoes.

2. Yukon Gold

Tips: Plant Yukon Gold potatoes in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun. Water consistently and hill up the soil around the plants as they grow.
Facts: This popular variety has smooth, yellow skin and buttery flesh, perfect for roasting, mashing, or making potato salads.

3. King Edward

Tips: King Edward grows best in cool climates with well-drained soil. Plant seed potatoes in early spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: This traditional British variety has creamy white flesh and a fluffy texture, making it perfect for roasting and baking.

4. Charlotte

Tips: Charlotte potatoes prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for summer harvesting.
Facts: This French variety produces waxy, yellow-fleshed potatoes with a rich, buttery flavor. It’s ideal for boiling, salads, and roasting.

5. Desiree

Tips: Desiree thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Plant in early spring and keep the soil consistently watered.
Facts: Known for its smooth, red skin and creamy, yellow flesh, Desiree is perfect for boiling, mashing, and roasting.

6. Red Pontiac

Tips: Red Pontiac grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. Water regularly and hill up the soil around the plants to encourage tuber growth.
Facts: This variety has thin, red skin and white, waxy flesh, making it ideal for boiling, mashing, or baking.

7. Maris Piper

Tips: Maris Piper prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Plant in early spring and water consistently.
Facts: A favorite for making chips and fries, Maris Piper has a light, fluffy texture and creamy white flesh.

8. Purple Majesty

Tips: Purple Majesty grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seed potatoes in spring for a colorful harvest.
Facts: Known for its deep purple skin and flesh, Purple Majesty is rich in antioxidants and perfect for roasting, mashing, or salads.

9. Kennebec

Tips: Kennebec thrives in cool climates and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer or fall harvest.
Facts: This variety has white skin and creamy flesh, making it perfect for frying, baking, or boiling. It’s known for its disease resistance and high yield.

10. Fingerling (La Ratte)

Tips: Fingerling potatoes prefer full sun and fertile soil. Plant in early spring and water regularly for consistent growth.
Facts: La Ratte fingerlings have a unique, nutty flavor and waxy texture, making them perfect for roasting or adding to salads.

11. Pink Fir Apple

Tips: Pink Fir Apple grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seed potatoes in spring and water consistently.
Facts: This heritage variety produces long, knobbly tubers with pink skin and creamy flesh. Its firm texture and nutty flavor are perfect for salads and roasting.

12. Red Duke of York

Tips: Red Duke of York thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This variety has red skin and pale yellow flesh with a waxy texture, making it ideal for boiling, baking, or roasting.

13. Vitelotte

Tips: Vitelotte potatoes prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seed potatoes in early spring and water regularly.
Facts: Known for its striking purple skin and flesh, Vitelotte is a French heirloom variety with a nutty flavor, perfect for roasting or making colorful mashed potatoes.

14. Golden Wonder

Tips: Golden Wonder grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: This variety has russeted skin and yellow flesh with a floury texture, making it perfect for baking and roasting.

15. Irish Cobbler

Tips: Irish Cobbler prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: Known for its knobbly shape and creamy flesh, Irish Cobbler is ideal for making mashed potatoes and potato salads.

16. Russet Norkotah

Tips: Russet Norkotah grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in spring and water consistently.
Facts: This variety has a smooth, russet skin and white flesh, perfect for baking, mashing, or making fries.

17. Nicola

Tips: Nicola prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: Nicola produces smooth-skinned, yellow-fleshed tubers with a waxy texture, making it ideal for boiling, salads, and roasting.

18. Sarpo Mira

Tips: Sarpo Mira thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a high-yielding, disease-resistant harvest.
Facts: Known for its blight resistance, Sarpo Mira has red skin and creamy flesh, perfect for boiling, roasting, or making chips.

19. Cara

Tips: Cara grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This variety produces large, round tubers with pink eyes and a creamy texture, making it great for boiling, mashing, or baking.

20. Annabelle

Tips: Annabelle prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest and water consistently.
Facts: This variety produces long, yellow-fleshed potatoes with a firm, waxy texture, ideal for salads, boiling, or roasting.

Common Questions About Growing Potatoes

Q: When should I plant potatoes?
A: Potatoes should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, usually 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Potatoes thrive in cool weather but need warm soil to grow well.

Q: Can I grow potatoes in containers?
A: Yes, potatoes grow well in containers. Use a pot or grow bag that is at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Place the container in a sunny spot, and add soil as the plants grow to encourage more tuber production.

Q: How long do potatoes take to grow?
A: Potatoes typically take 90-120 days to mature, depending on the variety. Early varieties can be ready in about 70 days, while late-maturing varieties may take up to 120 days.

Q: How do I know when my potatoes are ready to harvest?
A: Potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants begin to die back, usually around 90-120 days after planting. For “new potatoes,” you can harvest small tubers when the plants begin to flower.

Q: How do I store potatoes after harvesting?
A: After harvesting, cure the potatoes by laying them out in a dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. Once cured, store them in a cool, dark place at around 40-50°F. Properly stored potatoes can last for several months.