With the right temperature and environmental conditions, potatoes are one of the easiest plants to grow. How long does it take to grow potatoes it is easy or hard?
The maturation period of potatoes is determined by the size, shape and maturity time. These three factors depend on the type of potato.
The incredible fact about growing these vegetables is that you don’t have to own a large acre of land to plant them. But if you do, then be larger the harvest.
However, a 4-square foot garden will be enough to feed your family. For those that live in urban areas and don’t have gardens, you can opt to use the potato growing bags such as 10 Gallon 2-Pack Black Garden Grow Bags and Potato Grow Bags
How Long Does It Take To Grow Potatoes?
The answer to the question of ‘how long does it take to grow potatoes?’ It is influenced by the type of potato that you sow.
Also, remember that the type of seed potatoes not only affected the maturity time but also the shape and the size of the potatoes you will harvest.
I will discuss four types of potatoes and hope you will have a clear understanding of their features and the duration of their maturity.
Types of Potatoes
- Early varieties
- Mid-Season varieties
- Late varieties
- Elongated fingerling potatoes
Early Varieties
These potatoes have a shorter maturation period and are suitable if you want an early crop. In most cases, they are usually fully grown and ready to harvest in less than 90 days from the day of seeding.
Types of potatoes under this category include; Irish Cobbler, Annabelle, Sirtema, Amandine, and King Harry. For those that live in cooler regions, these will give high yields.
Mid-Season Varieties
To mature, they tend to take approximately 100 days or more from the day of seeding. They yield better when grown in warmer regions. Examples of potatoes that fall under this category include Bernadette, Yukon Gold, Charlotte, Rose of France, Mona Lisa, and Red LaSoda.
Late Varieties
These take more time to mature, and you need to wait for at least 110 days or more. Although these types take longer, you are guaranteed of significant yield.
As they say, ‘good things take time!’ If you have the patience, these potatoes will pay off big time! The advantage of these varieties is that they can be stored for longer durations.
Their growth is favorable in warm regions. Some of the types under this category include; Caesar, Corne de Gatte, Désirée, Vitelotte, Bleue d’Artois, Butte, Kennebec, and Katahdin.
Elongated Fingerling Potatoes
Due to their size, these types are popular, and most buyers prefer buying them. Thus, if you are looking for a variety that will sell fast and earn you a significant profit, this is a perfect choice.
However, they take a longer duration to mature (3 to 4 months). Nevertheless, to some of us who would wish to speed up the waiting duration, I will give you some tip on how to fasten the growth.
Tips to Fasten the Growth of Potatoes
1. Pre-Sprout the Seed Potatoes Before Planting
This is a dependable technique that will reduce the growth time of your potatoes. You only need to place the seed tuber in a warm and well lite room for approximately 5 weeks before seeding.
This will give time for the seed to sprout and will help reduce the standard maturity time by one month.
2. Start with Certified Seed Potatoes
If you are a beginner and don’t have your own seed, then I highly recommend you to start with certified tubers from a reliable garden center near you.
This is because potatoes from stores and supermarkets are treated with a chemical that delays sprouting. These potatoes are also often prone to diseases; a more reason why you should get your potato seeds from a certified nursery.
3. Use Fertilizers
Do not use too much or too little fertilizer. I would suggest you use fertilizer only when seedling. But you can still add as the plant grows if need be.
4. Mulch Heavily
These vegetables need much moist which can be retailed by mulching. You can either use plastic mulch or shredded leaves; whichever works for you. Mulching also helps control weed.
Factors that Cause Delayed Growth
Even after implementing the above tips, there is a possibility that the maturation of your potatoes will be delayed. Some of these factors include;
1. Too Dry, Wet, or Cold Soil
Potatoes thrive well when planted in well-drained soils and at least a 40-degree temperature range. The condition of the soil can be improved by adding organic matter before planting the potatoes
2. Using Freshly Cut Seed Potatoes
The disadvantage of using freshly-cut potato seeds is that they become dehydrated easily and they take time to heal. This can hinder the growth
3. Disease
Diseases and pest are inventible when growing potatoes. Some of the destructive pests include potato scab, aphids, leafhoppers, and flea beetles.
You can counter this problem by using insecticides such as Abamectin (a.k.a. avermectin B1) or Sevin Concentrated Bug Killer 1Quart
Final Thoughts
Wondering how long does it take to grow potatoes? Here is your help! As outlined above, the duration taken to get your first harvest depends on the type of potato seed you sow.
These varieties include; early varieties, mid-season varieties, late varieties and elongated fingerling potatoes. I have also outlined some tips that will help reduce the maturation time and will be useful when growing potatoes.
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