If you’re a gardener in the Sunshine State, you might be wondering when do you plant potatoes in Florida. The timing is everything, and it’s different here than in most other parts of the country. Getting it right means the difference between a bountiful harvest and disappointing results.
Florida’s unique climate, split into northern and southern regions, creates two distinct potato planting windows. This guide will walk you through the optimal seasons, recommended varieties, and step-by-step instructions to grow great potatoes in your Florida garden.
When Do You Plant Potatoes In Florida
The short answer is: plant in late winter for a spring harvest, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Potatoes need cool weather to grow their tubers, but they cannot survive a hard freeze. Florida’s heat is the main challenge, so we plant when the soil is warming up for spring or cooling down for fall.
Florida’s Two Main Potato Planting Seasons
Your planting time depends almost entirely on where you live in the state. The dividing line is roughly through the center of the peninsula.
For North Florida (North of Ocala)
Your best bet is a single, late-winter planting. The goal is to have potatoes in the ground so they can mature during the lengthening, cooler spring days before the summer heat arrives.
- Optimal Planting Window: January through mid-February.
- You can sometimes plant as early as December if the weather is mild.
- Harvest will typically occur from April to May.
For Central and South Florida (South of Ocala)
You have the advantage of two distinct planting seasons, thanks to a longer period of favorable weather.
- Spring Crop: Plant from late December through January.
- Fall Crop: Plant from late August through September.
- The fall crop is often more successful, as pests and diseases are less prevalent.
Choosing the Right Potato Varieties for Florida
Not all potatoes are created equal for our climate. You’ll want to select varieties with a shorter “days to maturity” that can handle our conditions. Always use certified seed potatoes from a garden center to avoid disease.
- Yukon Gold: A reliable all-purpose potato with good heat tolerance.
- Red Pontiac: Thrives in Florida and produces well in our sandy soils.
- LaRouge: A red-skinned variety that does excellent in the South.
- Sebago: A good white potato choice that’s resistant to some common issues.
- Sweet Potatoes: A summer-loving crop! Plant slips from April to June.
How to Plant Potatoes in Florida Soil
Florida’s sandy soil needs a little prep work to grow great potatoes. They need loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Prepare Your Planting Area
Choose a spot that gets full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. Potatoes will not form well in shady spots. Work the soil deeply, breaking up any hardpan. Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention and fertility. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer worked into the bed at planting is a good idea.
Step 2: Cut and Cure Seed Potatoes
One large seed potato can grow several plants. A day or two before planting, cut them into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 1-2 “eyes” (the little dimples where sprouts form). Let the cut pieces sit out to form a dry callus over the cut surface; this helps prevent rot when planted.
Step 3: Planting Method
You can plant in traditional rows, raised beds, or even large containers. The key is to give the tubers room to expand and to be able to hill soil around the plants.
- Dig a trench about 6 inches deep.
- Place seed pieces cut-side down, 12 inches apart.
- Space rows about 36 inches apart.
- Cover the seed pieces with 3-4 inches of soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
Consistent care is simple but crucial for a good harvest. The main tasks are watering, hilling, and watching for pests.
Watering and Hilling
Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially once tubers start forming. Water deeply 1-2 times a week, depending on rainfall. Avoid overhead watering if possible to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
When the plants are about 6-8 inches tall, begin “hilling.” Mound soil, straw, or compost around the base of the plant, leaving just the top few inches exposed. This protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potatoes to form. Repeat hilling every few weeks.
Common Pests and Problems
Keep a eye out for these common issues:
- Colorado Potato Beetle: Hand-pick the striped adults and red larvae.
- Aphids: Blast them off with a strong stream of water.
- Early Blight: A fungal disease causing brown spots on leaves. Use fungicides labeled for vegetables and ensure good air circulation.
- Green Tubers: Caused by exposure to light. Always hill properly and store harvested potatoes in the dark.
Harvesting Your Florida Potatoes
Knowing when to harvest is as important as knowing when to plant. There are two stages for harvesting: “new” potatoes and mature potatoes.
- For New Potatoes: Harvest about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. Gently dig around the plant to steal a few small, tender potatoes.
- For Mature Potatoes: Wait until the plant’s foliage turns yellow and begins to die back. Stop watering. About two weeks later, carefully dig up the entire plant with a fork on a dry day.
Let the harvested potatoes cure in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated spot for 1-2 weeks. This toughens their skin for storage. After curing, brush off dirt (don’t wash them) and store in a cool, dark, and humid place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I plant potatoes from the grocery store in Florida?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with a sprout inhibitor and may carry diseases that can persist in your soil. Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes.
What is the latest you can plant potatoes in Florida?
For North Florida, planting after mid-February risks the crop maturing in excessive heat. For South Florida, the last chance for a fall crop is early October, but September is much safer.
Do potatoes grow good in Florida’s summer?
No, potatoes are a cool-season crop. Summer heat causes plants to stop producing tubers and can encourage pests and disease. Stick to the recommended spring and fall planting seasons.
How long does it take potatoes to grow in Florida?
Most early varieties take 75-90 days from planting to harvest. The “days to maturity” listed on your seed potato variety is a good guideline, but weather can effect the exact timing.
By following this guide and aligning your gardening with Florida’s unique seasons, you can enjoy a successful harvest of homegrown potatoes. Remember, the key is to avoid the extreme heat and work with our long growing season. With the right timing and a little care, you’ll be digging up your own spuds in no time.