01 · Timing

When and how to begin

Plant certified seed potatoes in cool soil and cover stems gradually as plants grow.

02 · Growing sequence

See the crop change before it happens.

Illustrated growth sequence for potato, from establishment through mature harvest.
  1. 01Use seed potatoes rather than grocery potatoes.
  2. 02Keep developing tubers covered from light.
  3. 03Water steadily during tuber formation.
  4. 04Cure mature potatoes briefly before storage.

03 · Below the surface

Give the roots their working volume.

Planting geometryDepth, roots, and final space
10–12 in final spacing
3–4 in

Tubers form on underground stems above the seed piece, so developing potatoes must stay covered from light.

04 · Harvest

Know when it is ready

Visual decisionRead the plant, not only the date
Illustrated growth sequence for potato, from establishment through mature harvest.
Not yet

Still developing

Illustrated growth sequence for potato, from establishment through mature harvest.
Ready

Harvest new potatoes after flowering or wait until tops decline for mature storage tubers.

Illustrated growth sequence for potato, from establishment through mature harvest.
Past prime

Quality or vigor may decline when harvest is delayed beyond the intended stage.

05 · Common trouble

Inspect before you treat

Close botanical observation of holes in leaves, presented as a visual symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Holes in leavesCompare observations →
Close botanical observation of damaged or unhealthy roots, presented as a visual symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Damaged or unhealthy rootsCompare observations →
ScabColorado potato beetleGreen tubers

Symptoms can share several causes. Check moisture, recent weather, and the complete plant before applying a treatment.

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