If you’re planning your garden in the Heart of Dixie, knowing when to plant red potatoes in Alabama is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial for a healthy crop, and it all depends on where you live in the state.
Alabama’s long growing season is a big advantage for potato growers. But our climate varies from the cooler north to the warm coastal south. This guide will help you pick the perfect planting dates and give you the tips you need for success.
When to Plant Red Potatoes in Alabama
Red potatoes are a cool-season crop. They need to be planted early so they can mature before the intense summer heat arrives. The best time is typically in late winter to early spring.
For most gardeners, this means a window from late February through mid-March. However, you must use your local frost dates as your main guide. A light frost won’t hurt the emerging plants, but a hard freeze can.
Planting Dates by Alabama Region
Because Alabama has three distinct climate zones, your location changes your schedule. Here’s a regional breakdown:
- North Alabama (USDA Zone 7b): Aim for early to mid-March. The soil needs to be workable and past the soggiest part of late winter. The mountain areas may need to wait until late March.
- Central Alabama (USDA Zone 8a/b): This is the prime potato region. Your ideal planting time is mid to late February. The soil warms up just enough here for a perfect start.
- South Alabama (USDA Zone 8b/9a): You can plant earliest, from late January to mid-February. Take advantage of the mild winters to get a jump on the season.
A good rule of thumb is to plant your potatoes about 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date. You can find this date from your local extension office.
Preparing Your Potato Seed
You don’t plant potatoes from seeds you buy in a packet. Instead, you use “seed potatoes.” These are small potatoes or pieces saved specifically for planting. Always buy certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center.
Here’s how to get them ready:
- Chitting (Pre-sprouting): About 2-3 weeks before planting, set your seed potatoes in a bright, cool spot (not direct sun). This encourages short, sturdy sprouts to form.
- Cutting: If your seed potatoes are larger than a golf ball, you can cut them. Ensure each piece has at least 1-2 “eyes” (the dimples where sprouts form). Let the cut pieces air dry for a day or two to form a callus. This helps prevent rot in the ground.
Choosing and Preparing the Planting Site
Potatoes need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil is the most important factor for a good yield.
- Soil Type: Loose, well-draining soil is non-negotiable. Heavy clay soil will stunt growth and can cause misshapen tubers. If you have clay, amend it generously with compost or aged manure.
- Soil pH: Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. You can test your soil and adjust it if needed.
- Fertilizer: Mix in a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost when you till the bed. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as they will give you lots of leaves but few potatoes.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these simple steps to plant your red potatoes correctly:
- Dig Trenches: Dig straight trenches about 6 inches deep and 3 feet apart.
- Place Seed Potatoes: Set the seed pieces in the trench with the eyes facing up. Space them about 12 inches apart.
- Cover Gently: Cover the seed potatoes with 4 inches of soil. Leave the remaining 2 inches of trench unfilled for now.
- Water Well: Give the planted area a thorough watering to settle the soil around the seed.
The Hilling Process
Hilling is a secret to bigger harvests. As your potato plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, gently mound soil from around the plant up around the stems. Leave a few inches of leaves exposed.
Repeat this process every few weeks. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic), supports the plant, and encourages more potatoes to form along the buried stem.
Watering and Care Through the Season
Consistent moisture is key, especially from the time flowers appear until a few weeks before harvest. Potatoes need about 1-2 inches of water per week.
Water deeply at the base of the plants, not overhead, to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. A layer of straw or pine straw mulch can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cooler.
Watch out for common pests like Colorado potato beetles. Hand-pick them off plants if you see them. Good crop rotation (don’t plant potatoes in the same spot more than once every 3-4 years) helps prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting Your Alabama Red Potatoes
You can harvest “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. These are small, tender, and have thin skins. For mature potatoes meant for storage, wait until the plant’s foliage turns yellow and begins to die back.
Use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil beside the plant and lift the tubers. Be gentle to avoid bruising them. Let the potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks before storing them in a cool, dark location.
Can You Plant a Fall Crop?
In some parts of Alabama, especially central and south regions, you can plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest. The timing is tricky—you need to plant about 110 days before your first expected fall frost.
This usually means planting in early to mid-August. The challenge is the summer heat. You’ll need to provide ample water and maybe some shade cloth when the plants are young. It’s worth a try if you want to extend your potato season!
FAQ: Planting Red Potatoes in Alabama
What month is best to plant potatoes in Alabama?
For a spring crop, February and March are the primary months. North Alabama leans into March, while South Alabama can start in late January.
Can I plant red potatoes from the grocery store?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with a sprout inhibitor and may carry diseases that can stay in your soil for years. Always use certified seed potatoes.
How long does it take for red potatoes to grow?
Most red potato varieties are “mid-season,” taking about 80-100 days to reach full maturity after planting.
What are the best red potato varieties for Alabama?
‘Red Norland’ and ‘Red Pontiac’ are excellent, reliable choices that perform well in our climate and soil conditions. They have good disease resistance too.
Why did my potato plants flower but produce no potatoes?
This can happen if the plants get too much nitrogen, if the weather turns extremely hot too quickly during tuber formation, or if the plants are overcrowded and lack sunlight.
By following this guide and adjusting for your specific Alabama location, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting a plentiful crop of homegrown red potatoes. Just remember the golden rules: plant early in cool soil, keep them watered and hilled, and always start with healthy seed.