How do you grow golden potatoes?

Growing golden potatoes successfully involves understanding their specific environmental needs for optimal tuber development, alongside general potato cultivation practices. While potatoes are relatively adaptable, golden varieties thrive under particular conditions.

Key Steps to Grow Golden Potatoes

To cultivate a bountiful harvest of golden potatoes, pay close attention to planting time, soil conditions, and especially temperature and moisture.

1. Selecting Seed Potatoes

Begin with certified disease-free golden potato seed tubers. Avoid using grocery store potatoes, as they may be treated to prevent sprouting and could carry diseases. Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two "eyes" (sprouts) and is roughly 1.5 to 2 ounces in weight. Allow cut pieces to cure for a day or two in a warm, humid place to form a protective layer, which helps prevent rot after planting.

2. Choosing Your Planting Site and Preparing Soil

Golden potatoes require full sun exposure, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal soil is loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic pH, between 5.0 and 6.5.

• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Amend heavy clay soils with compost, aged manure, or other organic materials to improve drainage and aeration. For sandy soils, organic matter helps retain moisture and nutrients.

3. When to Plant Golden Potatoes

The timing of planting is crucial, especially in warmer climates, due to the golden potato's specific temperature requirements for tuber formation.

• Timing: Plant golden potatoes about 2-4 weeks before the last expected spring frost, once the soil temperature has reached at least 45°F (7°C).
• In hot summer areas, they are usually grown as a spring or fall crop. This strategy helps avoid the intense heat that can hinder tuber development.

4. Planting Golden Potatoes

Potatoes can be planted in rows, raised beds, or containers.

• In-Ground Planting: Dig trenches 6-8 inches deep and about 3 feet apart. Place seed potato pieces cut-side down (or with eyes facing up) approximately 10-12 inches apart within the trench. Cover with 3-4 inches of soil.
• Containers/Bags: For smaller spaces, grow golden potatoes in large containers (e.g., 15-gallon fabric grow bags, half-whiskey barrels) with drainage holes. Fill the bottom 6 inches with potting mix, place 2-3 seed potato pieces, and cover with 4 inches of soil.

5. Optimal Growing Conditions for Tuber Formation

Providing the right environment is paramount for large, healthy golden potato tubers.

• Temperature: A temperature of 60 to 65˚ F is said to be optimal for tuber formation, which slows down at temperatures above 70˚ F. This highlights the importance of planting during cooler periods or in regions with moderate summer temperatures. High temperatures can lead to smaller yields and misshapen tubers.
• Moisture: It is important to keep the soil evenly moist (but not wet) for best growth, as lack of water results in smaller tubers. Consistent moisture is vital, especially during the flowering and tuber development stages.
  • Watering Technique: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering late in the day to minimize fungal diseases. A drip irrigation system or soaker hoses are excellent options for maintaining consistent soil moisture.
  • Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the plants helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

6. Hilling

As the potato plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, begin "hilling" them. This involves mounding soil or compost around the base of the plant, covering the lower leaves.

• Benefits of Hilling:
  • Protects developing tubers from sunlight (which can turn them green and inedible).
  • Encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem.
  • Provides support for the growing plant.
• Frequency: Repeat hilling every 2-3 weeks until the plants begin to flower, creating a hill about 8-12 inches high.

7. Fertilizing

Potatoes are heavy feeders. A balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium can be beneficial.

• Application: Incorporate compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting. Side-dress with compost or a liquid fertilizer once plants are 6 inches tall and again when they begin to flower. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.

8. Pest and Disease Management

Monitor plants regularly for common potato pests like Colorado potato beetles and aphids, and diseases such as early blight or late blight. Employ organic pest control methods or disease-resistant varieties if possible. Good air circulation and proper watering can prevent many fungal issues.

9. Harvesting Golden Potatoes

Golden potatoes are typically ready for harvest 80-100 days after planting, depending on the variety.

• New Potatoes: For small "new" potatoes, you can gently dig around the plant base about 2-3 weeks after flowering begins.
• Mature Potatoes: For full-sized storage potatoes, wait until the plant foliage turns yellow and begins to die back, usually 2-3 weeks after flowering. Cut the dead vines and leave the tubers in the ground for another 1-2 weeks to allow their skins to "cure" and thicken, which improves storage life.
• Digging: Carefully dig up the tubers with a pitchfork or spade, being careful not to damage them. Cure harvested potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks before storing them in a cool, dark, and humid place (e.g., a root cellar or basement).

Golden Potato Growing Summary

By providing these specific conditions and following good gardening practices, you can enjoy a successful harvest of delicious golden potatoes from your garden.