Norkotah Potato

If you’re looking for a reliable, all-purpose potato that bakes up fluffy and holds its shape in a stew, the Norkotah potato is a fantastic choice. This versatile russet baking staple is a top pick for gardeners and cooks across the country for good reason.

It’s a type of russet potato, known for its classic oblong shape and netted brown skin. What sets the Norkotah apart is it’s consistent performance and high yield. For anyone wanting to grow their own potatoes or simply understand the spud on their plate, this variety deserves a closer look.

Developed by researchers at North Dakota State University, the Norkotah potato was released in 1987. It quickly became a favorite in commercial farming and home gardens. It’s a mid-season variety, which means it finds a sweet spot in many growing climates.

Key Characteristics for Gardeners

Knowing what makes this plant tick helps you grow it successfully. Here are its main features:

Appearance: The tubers are uniformly oblong with distinctive russeted (netted) skin. The flesh inside is a bright white.
Maturity: It’s considered a mid-season potato, typically ready for harvest 85 to 105 days after planting.
Yield: This is a high-yielding plant, producing a generous number of tubers per hill under good conditions.
Plant Size: The plants are medium-sized with white flowers, making them a neat addition to the garden bed.

Why Choose Norkotah for Your Garden?

With so many potato types available, here’s why this one stands out for home growers:

It’s highly adaptable to different soil types, though it prefers well-drained earth.
The consistent size and shape make harvesting and cooking prep straightforward.
It has a good resistance to common issues like hollow heart and secondary growth.
It stores very well in proper cool, dark conditions, providing homegrown potatoes for months.

How to Grow Norkotah Potatoes Successfully

Growing potatoes is rewarding, and following these steps will give you a great crop.

1. Planting Your Seed Potatoes

Start with certified disease-free seed potatoes. About 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date, you can begin.

Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each has at least 2-3 “eyes” or sprouts.
Let the cut pieces cure for a day or two so the cut surface calluses over, preventing rot.
Plant pieces 3-4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows spaced about 3 feet apart.
Choose a spot that gets full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily.

2. Care During the Growing Season

Potatoes need consistent care to develop those beautiful tubers underground.

Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially when tubers are forming. Inconsistent watering leads to knobby or cracked potatoes.
Hilling: When plants are about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the base, covering the stems halfway. Repeat this every few weeks. This protects tubers from sunlight (which turns them green) and supports the plant.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth instead of potatoes.

3. Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

Knowing when and how to harvest ensures your potatoes last.

For “new” potatoes, you can gently dig around plants about 2-3 weeks after flowering.
For full-sized, storage potatoes, wait until the plant vines have completely died back.
Use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil and retreive the tubers. Be gentle to avoid bruising.
Let potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks. This toughens the skin for storage.
Store cured potatoes in a cool (45-50°F), humid, and completely dark place. A basement or root cellar is ideal.

Cooking with Your Norkotah Potatoes

This is where the “versatile russet baking staple” truly shines. Its high starch content and low moisture give it that perfect fluffy texture.

Best Cooking Methods

Baking: Its classic use. Prick the skin, rub with oil and salt, and bake at 400°F for about an hour. The result is a fluffy interior and crispy skin.
Mashing: Boil chunks until tender, then mash. They absorb butter and cream beautifully for smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
Frying: Excellent for french fries and hash browns. Soak cut fries in cold water first to remove excess starch for a crispier result.
Roasting: Holds its shape well when cut into chunks and roasted with herbs and oil.
In Soups & Stews: Adds body and thickens broths naturally, though it will break down a bit if cooked very long, which can be desirable.

A Simple, Perfect Baked Potato Recipe

Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Scrub potatoes clean and dry them thorougly.
Prick each potato several times with a fork to let steam escape.
Rub lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
Place directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet) for 50-60 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the inside is tender.
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing open and adding your favorite toppings.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even the best gardeners face challenges. Here’s how to handle common potato problems.

Green Tubers: Caused by exposure to light. Always hill your plants adequately and store harvested potatoes in total darkness. Green parts contain solanine and should be cut off before eating.
Pests: Colorado potato beetles are the main culprit. Hand-pick them and their orange egg clusters off leaves early in the season. Row covers can also provide protection.
Diseases: Practice crop rotation (don’t plant potatoes in the same spot more than once every 3 years) to prevent soil-borne diseases like blight. Ensure good air circulation around plants.
Scabby Patches: Caused by a soil bacterium. It affects appearance but not taste. Maintaining a slightly acidic soil pH (around 5.2-5.5) can help prevent it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Norkotah a russet potato?

Yes, the Norkotah is a specific variety of russet potato. It shares the classic russet characteristics: netted brown skin, oblong shape, and starchy, fluffy flesh.

What is the difference between Norkotah and Russet Burbank?

Both are russets, but Russet Burbank is a later-maturing, longer-season variety famous for its use by a certain fast-food chain for fries. Norkotah matures earlier, has a more consistent shape, and is often considered easier for home gardeners to grow successfully.

How long do Norkotah potatoes take to grow?

From planting seed potato pieces to harvest, Norkotah potatoes typically need 85 to 105 days, depending on your local climate and weather conditions during the growing season.

Are Norkotah potatoes good for mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. Their high starch content makes them ideal for mashing. They become light and fluffy, absorbing dairy and butter well for a creamy texture without being gluey.

Can I grow Norkotah potatoes in a container?

You can. Use a large container (at least 10-15 gallons) with excellent drainage. Follow the same planting and hilling process, using potting mix. Container growing can sometimes reduce yield but is a great option for small spaces.

Adding the Norkotah potato to your garden plan is a smart move for a dependable harvest. Its versatility in the kitchen means you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy your homegrown produce. From a simple baked potato to a hearty winter stew, this variety delivers consistent quality that both gardeners and cooks can rely on season after season. With proper care from planting to storage, you’ll have a pantry staple that serves you well.