Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P                 P P P

(Best months for growing Potato in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Dig carefully, avoid damaging the potatoes.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
  • Avoid growing close to: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Rosemary

Your comments and tips

25 Mar 17, Rod Cooke (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can I plant potatoes now- if not why not
13 Jul 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Planting a crop is about planting at the right time for germination (soil temperature) and then the right air temperature for growing the crop. Then consideration should include hot or cold weather, likely hood of heavy rain, possibility of frosts. It is just not a case of I will plant something when I want to.
27 Mar 17, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
Potatoes will not tolerate frosts so if you get frosts delay planting till after the last frost. If you are in a frost-free area their is no reason why you couldn't plant them anytime.
23 Mar 17, euan cooper (New Zealand - temperate climate)
what type of potato are in nz
24 Mar 17, (Australia - temperate climate)
If you contact Tui Seed Potatoes they have a list of available 'certified virus free' potato seed available, New Zealand Potatoes and Eurogrow also have potatoes where you could get a list of varieties available in New Zealand. They are suppliers to farmers and resellers but could direct you to retail outlets.
18 Mar 17, bruce cresswell (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How or where can i get kipfler potato's.
20 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
I contacted Eurgrow Potatoes in Hamilton and they do not have it available but said you could try Merton Smith Dawe in Christchurch or Siesta Bulbs in Palmerston North. They package bulbs, potatoes, etc for nurseries, garden centres and so on. Eurogrow were familiar with Kipfler but said that it was mostly only available from organic markets, community markets, etc. All the best in your endeavours.
11 Mar 17, Carol S (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, do you know where I can get the purple skinned maori potatos with a whute waxy texture. Thanks
14 Mar 17, Toni deRooy (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Carol l have heaps l am in Waimate in the South Island - would you like me to send you some for seed
23 Mar 17, Sarah (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Toni My husband and I have had a small crop (20 or so) and grown these rotating each year. Unfortunatly we believe we must have inadvertently eaten our saved ones and now we cant source any. We are in Wellington and I know it's a long shot but wondered if you could help. Kind regards Sarah
Showing 31 - 40 of 68 comments

I am trying to find a white potato to purchase now. Planting season for potatoes is growing short. Do you sell Zone 10a seed potatoes I may purchase now.

- Mary

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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