Potatoes

Potatoes thrive in temperatures between 60 to 80°F, although they can tolerate hotter temperatures. Proper management is necessary to avoid heat stress and ensure optimal growth and yield.

The best time of year to plant potatoes is in early spring or as soon as the soil has warmed up to at least 45°F. In some areas, you may even be able to plant a second crop in late summer or early fall.

Potatoes need consistent moisture throughout the growing season, but overwatering can lead to diseases like late blight and early blight and many others. As a general rule, provide 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rain or irrigation. Water more during hot, dry weather.

Crop rotation is important for preventing soil-borne diseases and maintaining the health of your soil. Rotate potatoes with non-potato Solanaceae crops, such as legumes, corn, or grains. Avoid planting potatoes in the same area more than once every three years.

Weeds can steal water and nutrients from your potato crops, so it’s essential to keep weeds under control in your fields. You can use herbicides, mulch, hand-weeding, or mechanical cultivation to reduce weeds.

There are many potato diseases and pests that can affect your crops. Some of them include potato blight, potato scabs, aphids, and potato beetles. The best way to prevent these issues is to use multiple modes of attack with your pesticides and fungicides. Rotating crops, practicing good sanitation, and choosing disease-resistant varieties can help reduce insect and disease pressure. Fungi-Phite, used in injunction with your labeled fungicides can also improve efficacy.

Potatoes require a balanced fertilizer that’s high in potassium and phosphorus. A fertilizer with a ratio of 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 is best for potato plants. Apply fertilizer at planting time, then side-dress plants when they are about 8 in tall.

Phosphite fertilizer supplements are the perfect addition to your potato crop nutritional plan. Phosphite is more readily available to plants than traditional phosphate fertilizers. However, phosphite does not replace adequate soil phosphate levels. Phosphite has been shown to stimulate plant growth and improve disease resistance in potato plants and many other crops. Explore the benefits of our Nutri-Phite & Fungi-Phite products.

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants have died back and the skin on the tubers has set. This generally happens around the first frost or early fall in many regions. You can also dig up a plant and check the size and maturity of the potatoes. Be sure to harvest before the hard freeze of the season arrives.

Potatoes should be cured for 1-2 weeks at 50-60°F and high humidity to toughen the skin and heal any wounds. Applying a post-harvest phosphite can improve storage quality.  Store cured potatoes in a cool, dark place with good ventilation, such as a root cellar or cool basement. Avoid storing potatoes near apples or other fruits that release ethylene gas, which can cause potatoes to sprout.