Knowing exactly when to pick potatoes can feel like a bit of a mystery, since the best part of the crop is hidden underground. This guide will show you how to know when to pick potatoes so every spud you pull is perfectly ripe for harvest. Getting the timing right means a bigger, better-tasting yield that stores well for months.
How To Know When To Pick Potatoes
Harvesting potatoes isn’t a one-day event. It happens in stages, depending on what type of potato you’re growing and whether you want tender “new” potatoes or sturdy storage spuds. The key is to watch for signals from the plant above ground.
Signs Your Potatoes Are Ready for Harvest
Your potato plants will give you clear visual clues. Pay close attention to the leaves and stems.
- Flowering is a Early Signal: When your potato plants start to flower, it’s a hint that tubers are beginning to form underground. This is not harvest time for main crops, but it’s your cue that the process has started.
- The Main Event: Foliage Dies Back: For mature potatoes meant for storage, wait for the plant’s foliage to turn yellow and then brown. The leaves and stems will wilt and die back completely. This tells you the plant has finished its work, sending all its energy to the tubers to develop a tough, protective skin.
- Skin Set is Critical: A potato ready for storage will have skin that doesn’t rub off easily. If you gently dig near a plant and find a potato, try rubbing the skin with your thumb. If it slides off, they need more time. If its firm, they’re likely ready.
Two Types of Harvest: New Potatoes vs. Storage Potatoes
You actually have two harvest windows, and knowing the difference is crucial.
Harvesting Tender New Potatoes
New potatoes are a special summer treat. They have thin, delicate skins and a sweet, waxy texture. They don’t store well, so eat them soon after picking.
- Timing: Start checking about 2-3 weeks after the plants have finished flowering.
- Method: Gently reach into the soil near the base of a plant and feel for smaller tubers. Carefully remove just a few from each plant, leaving the rest to continue growing.
- The plant itself will still be green and healthy during this harvest.
Harvesting Mature Potatoes for Storage
This is the main harvest for potatoes you plan to keep over winter. The goal is a fully developed tuber with a thick skin.
- Wait for the plant’s foliage to completely die back. This is non-negotiable for good storage.
- For an extra skin-thickening boost, cut the dead foliage off at soil level and wait another 10-14 days before digging. This allows the skins to cure right in the ground.
- Choose a dry day for digging. Wet soil can lead to rot later on.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Digging Up Your Spuds
How you dig is just as important as when. A careful approach prevents damage.
- Gather Your Tools: Use a digging fork or a spade. Forks are often better because they’re less likely to slice potatoes in half.
- Loosen the Soil: Start digging about 1 to 1.5 feet away from the plant’s main stem. Push your tool straight down into the soil and gently lever the soil up.
- Follow the Roots: Work your way around the plant, loosening the soil. Once the area is loose, you can often pull up the entire plant by the main stem, with many potatoes attached.
- Search by Hand: Always use your hands to sift through the loosened soil. Many potatoes will be hiding! Leaving them in the ground is a common mistake.
- Handle with Care: Place potatoes gently into a bucket or basket. Bruised or punctured potatoes won’t store well and should be eaten first.
Curing and Storing Your Harvest
Proper aftercare makes your harvest last. Don’t skip the curing process.
- Curing: Lay your unwashed potatoes in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated place with moderate humidity (about 60-75%) for 10 to 14 days. A garage or basement often works well. This allows any minor nicks to heal and the skins to harden further.
- Storing: After curing, brush off any dry soil (don’t wash them). Store them in a completely dark, cool (38-45°F), and humid place. Cardboard boxes, paper bags, or breathable baskets are perfect. Check them occasionally and remove any that are going soft.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to look for.
Green Potatoes
If your potatoes have green patches, it means they were exposed to light. This causes them to produce solanine, a mildly toxic compound that tastes bitter.
- Prevention: Always “hill up” soil around the base of plants during the growing season to cover tubers. Ensure your storage area is pitch black.
- Solution: You can peel off thick green sections before cooking, but if the potato is mostly green, it’s best to compost it.
Potatoes Rotting in the Ground
Rot is usually a sign of overly wet soil, either from too much rain or irrigation.
- Ensure your potato bed has excellent drainage.
- If a very wet period is forecasted after foliage die-back, consider digging your crop a little early rather than risking rot.
FAQ: Your Potato Harvest Questions Answered
Can you leave potatoes in the ground too long?
Generally, yes. Once the foliage is dead, potatoes can sit in dry soil for a short while, which actually helps cure them. But leaving them too long in damp, warm soil makes them susceptible to rot, insect damage, or disease. It’s best to dig within a few weeks of the tops dying.
What happens if you harvest potatoes too early?
If you dig potatoes before the plant has died back, the skins will be very thin and easily damaged. These potatoes won’t cure or store properly and need to be eaten quickly, like new potatoes. The overall yield will also be smaller.
Do all potato varieties flower?
No, not all of them do. While flowering is a helpful indicator, some varieties rarely or never flower. Rely more on counting days from planting and watching for the main sign: the natural die-back of the foliage.
How long does it take for potatoes to grow?
This varies by type. “Early” varieties mature in about 75-90 days. “Mid-season” types take 90-135 days. “Late” varieties need 135-160 days. Always check the seed potato information for a more precise timeline for your specific variety.
Can I eat potatoes right after harvest?
Absolutely! Freshly dug potatoes have a fantastic flavor. Just give them a good wash first. Remember, if they are mature potatoes dug after the vine died, their skins might still be a bit tender, so handle them gently during cleaning.
Final Tips for a Successful Harvest
With a little observation and these steps, you’ll become an expert. Keep a simple garden journal to note planting dates and variety names—this is incredibly helpful for planning next year. Always prioritize gentle handling to protect your hard-earned crop. The satisfaction of pulling up a hill full of perfect, homegrown potatoes is worth the wait. With this knowledge, you’ll never have to guess about the right time again.