When to Lift Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes are grown for large tubers, high yields, and long-term storage—but knowing exactly when to harvest is crucial for quality and keeping ability. Here’s how to time your lift and do it right for the perfect winter stash.

Signs Your Maincrop Potatoes Are Ready

• Foliage Has Died Back:
  Plants turn yellow, wilt, and collapse—usually 16–22 weeks after planting.
• Thickened Skins:
  After foliage dies, wait 2 weeks before harvesting to allow skins to toughen up. This improves storage life and reduces damage.
• No New Growth:
  The plant shouldn’t be sending up new green shoots from the ground.

How to Lift Maincrop Potatoes

1. Pick a dry day to harvest—wet soil can make tubers muddy and increase storage rot risk.
2. Start at the edge of the row or bed, using a fork to gently loosen the soil 30–45cm (12–18 in) from the plant’s base.
3. Lift each plant, shake off excess soil, and collect all visible tubers.
4. Sift through the soil for any stray “volunteer” potatoes—these can sprout next year if left behind.

Handling and Curing

• Cure Tubers:
  Leave freshly lifted potatoes on the soil (if dry) or in a cool, well-ventilated place out of direct sun for 1–2 hours. Then cure them in the dark for about 10 days at 10–15°C (50–59°F). This hardens skins and heals minor wounds.
• Don’t Wash:
  Brush off clinging dirt, but avoid washing until you’re ready to eat.

Storage Preparation

• Sort out any damaged or diseased tubers—use these first as they won’t keep long.
• Store sound potatoes in paper sacks, hessian bags, or ventilated crates in a cool, dark, frost-free place.

Pro Tips

• Lift all maincrops before the first frost—freezing will ruin the tubers.
• Label your storage container with variety and date for better rotation.