If you’re a gardener in Louisiana, you’re probably wondering when do you plant potatoes in Louisiana. Getting the timing right is the most important step for a great harvest, and it all depends on our unique southern climate.
This guide gives you the simple, clear advice you need. We’ll cover the best planting windows, recommended varieties, and how to care for your plants through the season.
When Do You Plant Potatoes In Louisiana
In Louisiana, we have two distinct potato planting seasons: a main spring crop and a smaller fall crop. The primary factor is soil temperature, as potatoes need cool soil to start but cannot handle a hard freeze.
Spring Planting (The Main Crop)
For a spring harvest, planting time is critical. You want to get your seed potatoes in the ground early, but not too early that a late frost zaps the new foliage.
- Best Window: Late January through mid-February for most of the state. In North Louisiana, aim for early to mid-February. In the warmer southern parishes, you can often start in late January.
- Key Signal: Plant about 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date. The soil should be workable and not waterlogged.
- Goal: This gives the potatoes time to establish roots and begin growing foliage as the days lengthen and warm.
Fall Planting (A Second Chance)
Many gardeners don’t realize you can plant potatoes in the fall for a late autumn or early winter harvest. The timing is trickier because you’re working against the heat.
- Best Window: Aim for early to mid-August. This is the most reliable time to get them started.
- Key Signal: You need to get them in the ground about 12-14 weeks before your first expected fall frost. The challenge is cooling the soil enough for them to sprout.
- Tip: Use heavy mulch at planting to keep the soil cool and water consistently to combat the summer heat stress.
Choosing the Right Potato Variety
Not all potatoes grow equally well in our heat and humidity. Selecting a variety suited to the South is half the battle.
- Early Season (Good for Fall): These mature quickly (75-90 days). Try ‘Red LaSoda’, ‘Yukon Gold’, or ‘Norland’. They can beat the worst of the summer heat in fall or give you a quick spring crop.
- Mid to Late Season (Best for Spring): These need a longer, cooler growing period (90-120 days). ‘Kennebec’ is a legendary Southern favorite for its disease resistance. ‘Pontiac’ (red) and ‘Russet Norkotah’ also perform well.
- Always Use Certified Seed Potatoes: Buy from a garden center or reputable online source. Potatoes from the grocery store are often treated to prevent sprouting and can carry disease.
How to Plant Potatoes Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for sucess, whether your planting in spring or fall.
1. Prep Your Seed Potatoes
About a week before planting, encourage sprouting. Place your seed potatoes in a warm, bright spot. This is called “chitting.”
On planting day, cut larger seed potatoes into pieces. Each piece should be about the size of a golf ball and have at least 2-3 “eyes” (sprouts). Let the cut pieces dry for a day to form a callus; this helps prevent rot.
2. Prepare the Soil
Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with lots of organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic pH (5.8 to 6.5).
- Work the soil deeply, about 10-12 inches down.
- Mix in several inches of compost or aged manure. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause scab disease.
- Raised beds or rows are ideal for ensuring good drainage, which is crucial in our rainy springs.
3. Planting Method
Plant your seed pieces 3-4 inches deep and 10-12 inches apart within a row. Space your rows about 2-3 feet apart to allow for hilling.
Place the piece with the eye(s) facing upward. Cover gently with soil and water them in well.
4. The Hilling Process
This is the secret to a good yield. As your potato plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, use a hoe to pull soil from between the rows up around the base of the plant, covering about half the stem.
Repeat this process every few weeks. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic), supports the plant, and encourages more potatoes to form along the buried stem.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
Consistent care keeps plants healthy and productive.
- Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during tuber formation (when plants flower). Inconsistent watering leads to knobby or cracked potatoes.
- Fertilizing: At planting, use a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus (the middle number) for root development. Side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer when hilling begins; too much nitrogen gives you all leaves and no potatoes.
- Weeding: Weed carefully, especially early on. Hilling helps smother weeds. Avoid deep digging near plants once roots are established.
Common Pests and Problems in Louisiana
Stay vigilant for these typical issues.
- Colorado Potato Beetle: Hand-pick the yellow-and-black striped adults and red larvae. For bad infestations, use spinosad or neem oil.
- Late Blight: This fungal disease thrives in our humid weather. Look for dark, water-soaked spots on leaves. Use preventative copper fungicide sprays and choose resistant varieties like ‘Kennebec’.
- Heat Stress: In fall plantings, young plants can struggle with August heat. Use shade cloth or extra mulch to keep soil cool until temperatures drop.
Harvesting and Storing Your Bounty
Knowing when and how to harvest ensures your potatoes store well.
For “new” potatoes, you can gently dig around plants about 2-3 weeks after they stop flowering. For mature, storage potatoes, wait until the plant tops have completely yellowed and died back.
Use a digging fork carefully to avoid spearing tubers. Let potatoes cure on the soil surface for 2-3 hours, then move them to a dark, well-ventilated place for 10-14 days to toughen their skins. Store in a cool, dark, humid place after curing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What month is best to plant potatoes in Louisiana?
For spring, February is the prime month. For a fall crop, early to mid-August is you’re best bet.
Can you grow potatoes year-round in Louisiana?
No, our summers are too hot. The two viable seasons are late winter/early spring and late summer for a fall harvest.
How long does it take potatoes to grow?
From planting to harvest, early varieties take 75-90 days. Main season varieties need 90-120 days, depending on the weather.
Can I just plant a potato from the store?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases that can persist in your soil for years.
Do potatoes need full sun?
Yes, they require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for a good yield. In our hot fall, a little afternoon shade can be beneficial for young plants.
By following these timing guidelines and tips, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown potatoes. The key is respecting our climate—planting early in spring and braving the late summer heat for a fall crop. With the right variety and a little attention, you’ll be rewarded with a plentiful harvest straight from your Louisiana garden.