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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 40 cm 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

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25 Mar 17, Rod Cooke (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can I plant potatoes now- if not why not
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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.
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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.
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23 Mar 17, euan cooper (New Zealand - temperate climate)
what type of potato are in nz
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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.
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18 Mar 17, bruce cresswell (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How or where can i get kipfler potato's.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Showing 31 - 40 of 68 comments
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I live in Southern California Zone 10A and grow potatoes year-round in bags and containers, anywhere from 5 to 15 gallons size. I have found what works well for me is to put about 4-6 inches of good soil in the container, lay a few seed potatoes on top so the slips are pointed up, about 12 inches apart, then cover them with about 4-6 inches of soil, and water moderately or they will rot. These potatoes will only produce new tubers in the soil about 6-12 inches above the original seed potatoes, so when the plants are about a foot above the soil, if I have any new add seed potatoes and the container has enough room, when I add more soil I may consider adding a few more seed potatoes that will produce "baby potatoes" above the older tubers, then cover them with another 6 inches of soil that will also bury more of the new growth of the first seed potatoes. Doing this stimulates more growth, and I may even add even more soil as the plants get taller depending on the depth of the container. I don't always add the second layer of seed potatoes, but doing this produces a few larger potatoes below (Baked Potatoes!) and a lot of smaller potatoes above them, and they are all excellent eating. I am growing Russet, Golden, and Red potatoes in containers, but I think they are all determinant varieties since they are all started from potatoes purchased in grocery stores, and each plant only produces tubers in the area near the seed potato, but do not continue to produce tubers as the plants get taller no matter how much more soil is added. I am still learning as I go, such as "location, location, location!" is making a noticeable difference on how successful my efforts are, and I would like to find an indeterminant variety potato that will grow well in Zone 10A.

- dz

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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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