The time required to grow potatoes is dependent on the variety of potato plant that you choose.
However, potatoes typically take four months to fully mature. If you want to learn more about growing potatoes, read our article below.
What Is A Potato Plant?
A potato plant is actually a tuberous root vegetable. Tuberous roots are also known as tubers or potatoes.
They are usually grown underground in soil and are harvested when they reach maturity.
The most common varieties of potatoes include:
• Russet Burbank – This is one of the most popular types of potato because of its high yield and good taste.
• Yukon Gold – This type of potato has a golden yellow color and is very easy to peel.
• Red Norland – This is a very hardy variety of potato that can be planted from spring until fall.
• Purple Peruvian – This purple-skinned potato grows well in cool weather and produces large potatoes with excellent flavor.
• White Rose – This white-skinned potato is an all-purpose variety that does not require much space.
• Yellow Finn – This potato has a creamy texture and is considered a “fingerling” potato.
• Pink Fir Apple – This pink-colored potato has a firm flesh and a sweet flavor.
Growing Your Own Potatoes
If you have never grown potatoes before, then this may seem like a daunting task. However, there are many ways to make growing potatoes easier.
One of the easiest methods to grow potatoes is by using seed potatoes. You can buy these at any grocery store or farmer’s market.
These will already be sprouted, so you don’t have to worry about planting them. Simply put the seeds into moistened potting soil and water regularly.
As soon as the sprouts appear, transplant them into individual pots.
You can also use potato plants instead of starting with seed potatoes. These plants are available at nurseries and garden centers.
Once you purchase them, simply plant them directly into your garden.
When growing potatoes, remember to keep them away from other vegetables.
While some people believe that potatoes should be grown together with tomatoes, onions, and peppers, others disagree.
Most experts recommend growing potatoes alone in order to avoid cross pollination.
Potatoes Are Easy To Grow
While growing potatoes isn’t difficult, it does take some effort. If you follow the tips outlined above, you will find that growing potatoes doesn’t take too much work.
Remember to fertilize your plants regularly and watch out for pests such as aphids and slugs.
When Should I Grow Potatoes?
There are two main times during which you should grow potatoes: early spring and late summer/fall.
Early spring is the best time to grow potatoes due to their ability to produce more than other crops.
Late summer/fall is the ideal season for harvesting potatoes, since they will be ready when you need them.
How Much Space Do I Need For Growing Potatoes?
The amount of space needed for growing potatoes depends on what size you want your potatoes to be.
The smaller the potatoes, the less space you will need. On average, one pound of potatoes requires 1 square foot of space.
If you want larger potatoes, you will need more space.
What Kind Of Potato Can I Grow?
The type of potato you choose to grow will depend on what kind of taste you prefer.
Some varieties of potatoes include Yukon Gold, Rose Fries, Red Bliss, Idaho Russet, German Butterball, and French Blue Finger.
Each variety offers its own unique characteristics.
So, How Long Does It Take To Grow Potatoes?
Growing potatoes takes approximately four months to complete. This means that if you planted your potatoes in April, you would expect to see them harvested in October.
If you have ever wondered how long it takes to grow potatoes, then you might be surprised to learn that the answer is not as long as you may expect.
With a little planning and patience, you can successfully grow potatoes in no time!
Things To Avoid When Growing Potatoes
As mentioned, avoid planting potatoes near other vegetables since they can cause cross-pollination.
Also, don’t let your potatoes get too close to trees or shrubs because they could become damaged by frost.
Finally, make sure that you don’t over water your potatoes. They require only about an inch of water per week.
How To Grow Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
To start growing potatoes, first select a location where you plan to grow them.
Next, dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate all the roots of the potato plant. Make sure that the hole has good drainage so that the soil remains moist.
After digging the hole, add compost or manure to the bottom of the hole.
Then, place the potato seed into the hole. Cover the seed with at least 2 inches of dirt and tamp down the soil firmly around the seed.
Water the seed well until it sprouts.
Once the seed begins to sprout, remove the cover from the hole and continue watering the seed every few days.
As the seed grows, keep adding fertilizer to the soil to encourage growth. You can use any kind of fertilizer that you like. However, do not fertilize the seed before it sprouts.
Harvest your potatoes after approximately 4 months of growth.
Conclusion
To conclude, potatoes take approximately four months to grow.
In order to ensure that your plants reach maturity, you must wait until they are fully grown before harvesting them, and avoid planting your potatoes near other vegetables where possible.
