If you’re a gardener in Georgia, knowing when to plant red potatoes is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right ensures your plants thrive in our unique climate, from the mountains to the coast.
This guide will walk you through the optimal planting windows, soil prep, and care tips tailored for Georgia. You’ll learn how to work with our seasons for the best possible yield of those beautiful, earthy tubers.
When to Plant Red Potatoes in Georgia
The best time to plant red potatoes in Georgia depends heavily on your specific location within the state. Our climate varies significantly, so we break it down by region.
For most areas, there are two main planting seasons: spring and fall.
Spring Planting Across Georgia
Spring is the primary planting season for red potatoes statewide. The goal is to get them in the ground early, but after the danger of a hard freeze has passed.
- North Georgia (Mountain & Upper Piedmont): Plant from late March to mid-April. The soil should be workable and not waterlogged.
- Middle Georgia (Piedmont & Metro Atlanta): Aim for mid-February to late March. This region warms up a bit sooner.
- South Georgia (Coastal Plain): You can start as early as late January through February. The ground rarely freezes hard here.
A good rule of thumb is to plant about 2-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Potatoes can handle a light frost after they emerge, but not a hard freeze.
Fall Planting for a Second Crop
In many parts of Georgia, you can enjoy a second planting in the fall. This is especially succesful in Middle and South Georgia.
- North Georgia: Fall planting is tricky due to earlier frosts. If you try, plant in early August.
- Middle & South Georgia: Plant your fall crop from late August to early September. This gives tubers time to develop before the first frost in late fall.
The key for fall is to count backwards about 90-110 days from your first average fall frost date. That’s the maturity time for most red potato varieties.
Understanding Your Soil Temperature
Beyond the calendar, soil temperature is a critical signal. Red potato seed pieces should go into soil that is at least 45°F (7°C).
Ideally, aim for a soil temperature of 50-55°F (10-13°C) for good sprouting. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check this. Planting in cold, soggy soil often leads to rot instead of growth.
Choosing the Right Red Potato Variety
Selecting a variety suited to Georgia’s heat and your season length is crucial. Some reliable choices include:
- Red Pontiac: A classic, reliable producer with deep red skin.
- Norland: An early maturing red that’s great for beating the summer heat.
- La Soda: Excellent for our southern states and good for fall planting.
- Red LaSoda: A heat-tolerant variety perfect for longer seasons.
Always buy certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable source. Don’t use potatoes from the grocery store, as they may carry disease or be treated to prevent sprouting.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for planting success:
- Prepare the Soil: Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.8 to 6.5). Work in several inches of compost or aged manure to improve texture and fertility.
- Chit Your Seed Potatoes (Optional but Helpful): Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot for 1-2 weeks before planting. This encourages strong, short sprouts and can give you a head start.
- Cut and Cure Seed Pieces: Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, each with at least 1-2 “eyes” or sprouts. Let them cure for a day or two so the cut surface forms a callus, which helps prevent rot.
- Plant Correctly: Dig trenches about 4 inches deep. Space seed pieces 10-12 inches apart in the row, with rows 2-3 feet apart. Place the seed piece with the eyes facing up.
- Cover and Water: Cover the seed pieces with 3-4 inches of soil. Water them in well to settle the soil and provide moisture for sprouting.
Caring for Your Growing Potatoes
Consistent care after planting makes a huge difference.
Hilling
When plants are about 6-8 inches tall, gently mound soil around the base, covering the stems halfway. Repeat this process every few weeks. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potato formation.
Watering and Feeding
Potatoes need about 1-2 inches of water per week, especially once tubers start forming. Inconsistent watering leads to misshapen potatoes. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting and avoid high nitrogen later, which promotes leaves over tubers.
Pest and Disease Watch
Common issues in Georgia include:
- Colorado Potato Beetle: Hand-pick adults and larvae off plants.
- Blight: Fungal disease favored by wet weather. Use resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation.
- Wireworms: These can be a problem in some soils, rotating crops helps manage them.
Harvesting Your Red Potatoes
You can harvest “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature, storage-ready potatoes, wait until the plant vines have turned yellow and begun to die back.
Use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil beside the plant and lift the tubers. Be gentle to avoid bruising them. Let them cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks before storing.
FAQs: Planting Potatoes in Georgia
Can I plant red potatoes in summer in Georgia?
No, summer heat is to intense for potatoes. They are a cool-season crop. Planting in late summer for a fall harvest is your best bet for a late crop.
What is the latest I can plant potatoes in Georgia?
For a spring crop, planting after mid-April is generally to late for North Georgia, and after early May for South Georgia, as summer heat will arrive before tubers fully form. For fall, aim to get them in the ground by early September.
How long does it take red potatoes to grow?
Most red potato varieties are “early” season, maturing in 80-100 days from planting. Always check the days to maturity for your specific variety.
Can I grow potatoes from store-bought red potatoes?
It’s not recommended. They are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry soil-borne diseases that could infect your garden bed.
Do potatoes grow good in Georgia clay soil?
Heavy clay soil can be challenging because it retains water and can be hard for tubers to expand in. Amending clay soil generously with compost is essential to improve drainage and texture for a good potato harvest.