Which Potatoes Should I Plant
I live in Live Oak, Texas, next to San Antonio. Our growing season is long, however summer temps average in the mid 80′s to high 90′s and we do have 1 or 2 days (or more) that hit 100. I would like to have potatoes in my 2009 garden. Raised planters are used here as my soil is all black heavy clay.
Could you recommend 2 early varieties, 2 mid season varieties and 2 late season varieties for this area? Nothing beats the taste of home grown. And my friends kids are beside themselves when they get to see something they’ve grown come to harvest! With all their electronic junk, they sometimes react like gardening is something entirely new. I love it! Thank you for your help, I want to order as soon as possible. Tina G
Potatoes don’t care about “rich” soil. Good organic substance and a balanced pH will make them content, along with consistent water. In dry weather, water an inch a week. Check out our Potato Grow Bags, for the easiest and most space-efficient way to grow in containers.
For early or late season growing (shortest maturity time) we offer several organic varieties, and all will do well in any full-sun location and climate. Make sure to plan your late season starts to provide plenty of potatoes for the winter, since they store well in a root cellar or cool, dark location. Mid-season varieties with longer maturation times also are abundant. We begin shipping our seed potatoes in early March.
Some suggestions for 70-90 day maturity varieties are: Caribe, Reddale, Yukon Gold, Cranberry Red or Onaway. Some of the longer maturity (110-135 day) varieties would work for early or mid-season planting. Check out these: All-Blue, Butte, King Harry or Elba.
Just be sure to check the frost date for your area and work backwards from there. Choose which ones to grow based on your tastes, and how you plan to the prepare your potatoes (baked, boiled, cold salad or au gratin). As you read the descriptions of our available varieties, you’ll find the ones that suit your cooking and growing needs.