When To Plant Potatoes In Louisiana

If you’re a gardener in Louisiana, figuring out when to plant potatoes is the first step to a great harvest. The mild winters and long growing season here are perfect for potatoes, but timing is everything to avoid the worst of the heat. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting windows for your area and how to get your spuds off to the best start.

Louisiana’s climate is split into two main zones: North and South. This division is key for getting your potato planting time right. The goal is to let potatoes grow during the cool season, so they mature before the intense summer heat arrives.

Primary Planting Windows

For most of Louisiana, there are two main planting periods.

Late January to Mid-February: This is the prime window for planting in North Louisiana. Getting your seed potatoes in the ground during this time allows them to grow through the cool spring.
Mid-January to Early February: Gardeners in South Louisiana can start a touch earlier. The slightly warmer winters mean you can get a jump on the season.

In both regions, you’re aiming for a soil temperature of around 45-50°F. The potatoes will sprout best in this range. A good rule of thumb is to plant about 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date.

Fall Planting for a Second Crop

Did you know you can plant potatoes in the fall? It’s true! A second, smaller planting can be done in late summer to early fall.

Early to Mid-August: This is the target for a fall crop in North Louisiana. It’s tricky, as the soil is hot, so extra mulch and water are crucial.
Late August to Early September: South Louisiana gardeners can wait a bit longer for soil temps to cool slightly before planting their fall crop.

The fall crop grows as temperatures drop, often resulting in very flavorful potatoes. However, the yield is usually smaller than the spring planting.

Signs You’re Planting Too Late

Planting potatoes to late is a common mistake. If you plant in March or April, the plants will hit their peak growth during summer’s scorching heat. This stress leads to several problems:

Small, misshapen tubers.
Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Plants that wilt and die back prematurely.

Heat is the enemy of tuber formation, so an early start is your best defense.

Choosing the Right Potato Variety

Not all potatoes are created equal, especially for Louisiana’s climate. Selecting a variety suited to our shorter spring season is vital.

Best Varieties for Louisiana Gardens

Red Pontiac: A reliable red-skinned potato that produces well and stores good.
Yukon Gold: Famous for its buttery flavor and yellow flesh. It’s a consistent performer.
Kennebec: A versatile white potato that’s disease resistant and great for baking.
La Rouge: A Louisiana-developed variety that’s excellently adapted to the state’s conditions.

Avoid long-season varieties like Russet Burbank, which need more cool days than we can typically provide.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for planting success.

Source Seed Potatoes: Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center, not grocery store spuds.
Pre-sprout (Chit): Place seed potatoes in a bright, cool spot for 2-4 weeks before planting. This encourages strong sprouts.
Prepare the Soil: Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with lots of organic matter. Work in compost and a balanced fertilizer.
Cut and Plant: Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, each with 1-2 eyes. Let them dry for a day. Plant pieces 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart.
Hill Up: As plants grow to about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the stems. Repeat this every few weeks. This protects tubers from sun exposure, which turns them green and toxic.

Essential Care Through the Season

Consistent care is what turns good plants into a great harvest.

Watering and Feeding

Potatoes need about 1-2 inches of water per week, especially once tubers start forming. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked potatoes. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and a side-dressing of a low-nitrogen fertilizer when hilling begins.

Pest and Disease Watch

Keep a close eye out for common issues. Colorado potato beetles can be picked off by hand. Blight is a fungal disease that thrives in humid weather; using resistant varieties and ensuring good air flow helps. Always rotate where you plant your potatoes each year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

Harvesting Your Bounty

Knowing when to harvest is just as important as knowing when to plant.

New Potatoes: You can gently dig for small, tender “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering.
Mature Potatoes: For storage potatoes, wait until the plant vines have completely died back. Then, use a fork to carefully dig up your full harvest.

Let the harvested potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks before storing them in a cool, dark cellar or pantry. This toughens their skin for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What month is best to plant potatoes in Louisiana?

January and February are the best months for the main spring planting. For North LA, aim for late January to February. For South LA, mid-January to early February is ideal.

Can I grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes?

It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and can carry diseases that will infect your garden soil. Always use certified seed potatoes.

How long does it take potatoes to grow?

Most early and mid-season varieties chosen for Louisiana will be ready for harvest in 80-100 days from planting. Check the specific days to maturity for your chosen variety.

Can I plant potatoes in March in Louisiana?

Planting in March is generally to late for a productive spring crop. The plants won’t have enough cool weather to develop tubers properly before the heat stresses them.

What about planting potatoes in containers?

Absolutely! Container growing is a fantastic option. Use a large pot or grow bag with plenty of drainage. Follow the same planting steps, and you can even move the container to avoid late frosts or excessive rain.

Getting your timing right with potatoes in Louisiana sets the stage for the whole season. By planting early in the year, choosing adapted varieties, and providing consistent care, you’ll be rewarded with a homegrown harvest that’s well worth the effort. Remember, the calendar is your guide, but always observe your local soil and weather conditions for the final signal to plant.