German Butterball Potatoes

If you’re looking for a potato that combines rich flavor with reliable garden performance, you’ve found it. The german butterball potatoes are a standout heirloom variety that every home gardener should try. Their golden skin and buttery yellow flesh are just the beginning of there appeal. This guide will walk you through everything you need to grow, harvest, and enjoy these fantastic tubers in your own backyard.

Known for there nutty and creamy texture, German Butterballs are versatile in the kitchen. They hold their shape well when boiled and make exceptional mashed potatoes. Many gardeners consider them the best all-purpose potato they’ve ever grown.

This particular heirloom was developed in the 1980s by a gardener named David Ronniger in Idaho. Despite its relatively recent origin compared to centuries-old varieties, it has earned its heirloom status due to its open-pollinated nature and exceptional saved seed traits. It’s not a commercial supermarket potato, which is exactly why its so valuable to grow yourself. You get a taste and quality that’s simply unavailable in stores.

Why Grow German Butterball Potatoes?

Choosing what to plant in your garden space is important. Here’s why German Butterballs deserve a spot:

Superior Flavor and Texture: The flavor is distinctly nutty and rich, with a creamy, firm flesh that isn’t waxy or watery.
Excellent Storage: When cured and stored properly, these potatoes can last in a root cellar for up to 8 months, providing homegrown food deep into winter.
Reliable Yield: They are known to be productive plants, offering a good return on your gardening effort.
Disease Resistance: They show good resistance to common potato scab and some other foliar diseases, making them a robust choice for organic growers.

How to Plant German Butterball Potatoes

Potatoes are grown from “seed potatoes,” which are small tubers or pieces of tuber saved specifically for planting. Never use potatoes from the grocery store, as they are often treated with sprout inhibitors.

Source Your Seed: Buy certified disease-free German Butterball seed potatoes from a reputable nursery or seed company in late winter.
Chit (Pre-Sprout) the Tubers: About 3-4 weeks before your last frost date, place the seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot (like a windowsill) to encourage short, sturdy green sprouts.
Prepare the Soil: Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic pH (5.8-6.5). Work in compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting.
Planting Time: Plant outdoors when the soil has warmed to about 45-50°F. Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each has at least 2-3 “eyes” or sprouts. Let the cut pieces dry for a day to form a callus.
Planting Method: Dig a trench 4-6 inches deep. Place seed pieces 12 inches apart, sprouts facing up. Cover with 3-4 inches of soil. Space rows 2.5 to 3 feet apart.

Caring for Your Growing Potatoes

Consistent care is simple but leads to a much better harvest. The key tasks are hilling and watering.

Hilling: When plants are about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the base, covering the stems halfway. Repeat this every few weeks until the plants flower. This protects tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potato formation along the buried stem.
Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy. Even moisture is crucial when tubers are forming to prevent knobby growth or hollow hearts.
Fertilizing: A balanced organic fertilizer at planting is usually sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers later, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of tubers.

Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

You can start harvesting “new” potatoes carefully by hand a few weeks after the plants flower. For your main storage crop, wait until the plants have completely died back.

Timing: After the vines are fully brown and dead, stop watering and wait about 2 more weeks for the skins to set.
Harvesting: On a dry day, use a digging fork to gently loosen the soil, starting far from the plant center to avoid spearing tubers. Work carefully to minimize bruises and cuts.
Curing: Lay the unwashed potatoes in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated place with moderate humidity (about 60-75°F) for 10-14 days. This thickens the skin and heals minor nicks.
Long-Term Storage: After curing, brush off dry soil (don’t wash). Store in complete darkness in a cool (38-45°F), humid place like a basement or root cellar. Check them periodically and remove any that show signs of rotting.

Cooking with German Butterball Potatoes

The nutty and creamy qualities of this variety shine in many dishes. Their medium starch content makes them wonderfully versatile.

Mashed Potatoes: They make the ultimate mashed potatoes—fluffy, creamy, and full of flavor without needing excessive butter or cream.
Roasting: Cut into chunks, toss with oil and herbs, and roast. They develop a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
Boiling and Salads: They hold their shape well when boiled, making them perfect for potato salads where you want distinct pieces.
Baking and Soups: They bake nicely and also thicken soups and stews beautifully while absorbing surrounding flavors.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even the robust German Butterball can face issues. Here’s how to manage them:

Colorado Potato Beetles: Hand-pick the orange larvae and adults off leaves daily. For severe infestations, use spinosad or neem oil as organic controls.
Late Blight: This fungal disease causes dark spots and white mold. Ensure good air circulation, water at the soil level, and remove infected plants immediately. Rotate crops each year.
Green Tubers: Caused by exposure to light. Always hill properly and store in total darkness. Green parts contain solanine and should be cut away before eating or, if extensive, the potato should be discarded.

FAQ About German Butterball Potatoes

What do German Butterball potatoes taste like?
They have a distinct, rich nutty flavor with a very creamy and smooth texture. The taste is often described as more complex than standard yellow potatoes.

Are German Butterballs good for frying?
Yes, there medium starch content makes them suitable for frying. They make excellent home fries and skillet potatoes with a nice crisp.

How long do German Butterball potatoes take to grow?
They are a mid-to-late season variety, typically requiring 90-110 days from planting to full maturity for your main storage harvest.

Can I save my own seed potatoes for next year?
Absolutely. Select small, healthy tubers from your best plants at harvest time. Cure and store them separately from your eating crop, and keep them in ideal conditions until next spring’s planting time.

Where can I buy German Butterball seed potatoes?
Many online heirloom seed companies and local garden centers carry them. Order early in the year, as popular varieties often sell out.

Growing german butterball potatoes is a rewarding experience that provides a delicious and versatile crop for your kitchen. With there reliable nature and exceptional storage life, they are a practical choice for gardeners aiming to increase their food self-sufficiency. By following these simple steps for planting, care, and storage, you’ll be enjoying your own homegrown nutty and creamy potatoes for many months to come.