How Do You Know When It's Time to Dig Up Potatoes? - Garden for Beginners (2024)

Are you wondering when it’s time to dig up your potatoes? Harvesting potatoes at the right time is crucial to get the best yield and quality. Fortunately, there are some signs that can help you determine when your potatoes are ready to be dug up.

One of the most common indicators of potato maturity is the condition of the foliage. When the leaves of the potato plant start to yellow and wilt, it’s usually a sign that the potatoes are almost mature enough to harvest. At this point, stop watering the plants and wait for a week or two before digging them up. You can also dig up a hill and check the potatoes to see if they are ready.

Another way to tell if your potatoes are ready to be harvested is to rub the skin of a potato with your fingers. If the skin is firm and doesn’t come off easily, the potatoes are likely mature enough to be dug up. However, if the skin is loose and comes off easily, the potatoes are still too young and should be left in the ground for a little longer. Keep these signs in mind, and you’ll be able to harvest your potatoes at the right time for optimal yield and flavor.

Potato Growth Cycle

Knowing the growth cycle of potatoes is essential to determine when to dig them up. Here’s an overview of the different stages of potato growth:

1. Sprouting: The first stage of potato growth is sprouting. This occurs when the potato is planted, and the seed potato begins to produce shoots. The sprouts grow up towards the surface of the soil, and the roots grow down.
2. Vegetative Growth: During this stage, the potato plant grows leaves and stems. The leaves use sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, which is then used to grow the potato plant.
3. Flowering: The potato plant produces flowers during this stage. However, not all potato plants produce flowers, and flowering is not an accurate indicator of when to harvest potatoes.
4. Tuber Initiation: The potato plant begins to produce tubers during this stage. The tubers grow from the stolons, which are the underground stems of the potato plant.
5. Tuber Bulking: During this stage, the potato tubers grow in size and weight. This stage is crucial for determining when to harvest potatoes. The longer the tubers are left in the ground, the larger they will become.
6. Maturity: The final stage of potato growth is maturity. The potato plant will begin to die back, and the leaves will turn yellow. This is a clear indication that the potatoes are ready to be harvested.

It takes between 80-100 days for a potato seed to grow into a mature potato plant full of potatoes to dig up and harvest. The potato plant needs a lot of heat and sunshine, water, and fertilizer to grow. The vigor of the plants is another indicator of potato maturity and readiness for harvest. When potatoes are almost mature enough to harvest, the plants have a tendency to begin to yellow and wilt.

In conclusion, understanding the growth cycle of potatoes is crucial to determine when to dig them up. Keep an eye on the stages of potato growth, and you’ll know when it’s time to harvest your potatoes.

Signs of Potato Readiness

When it comes to harvesting potatoes, it’s important to know when they are ready to be dug up. Here are some signs that will help you determine when your potatoes are ready to be harvested.

Plant Foliage Condition

One of the first signs to look for is the condition of the plant foliage. When the potato plant’s foliage begins to yellow and wilt, it’s a good indication that the potatoes are almost mature enough to harvest. Keep in mind that some varieties of potatoes may have different foliage colors, so it’s important to know what color the foliage should be for your specific variety.

Time Since Planting

Another factor to consider when determining potato readiness is the time since planting. Early-season potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, Norland, and Irish Cobbler, typically reach maturity within 75 to 90 days. Mid-season potatoes, including Russet Burbank, Catalina, and Chieftain, mature in 95 to 110 days. Late-season potatoes mature in 120 to 135 days. Keep track of the days since planting to determine when your potatoes should be ready for harvest.

Potato Size

Potato size is another important factor to consider. When potatoes are ready to be harvested, they will have reached their full size. The size of your potatoes will depend on the variety you are growing. Some varieties produce larger potatoes than others. For example, Russet Burbank potatoes are known for their large size, while Fingerling potatoes are smaller.

Skin Firmness

The firmness of the potato skin is also a good indicator of readiness. When potatoes are ready to be harvested, their skin will be firm and not easily punctured. If the skin is still soft, the potato is not yet ready for harvest.

In summary, to determine potato readiness, you should look at the condition of the plant foliage, the time since planting, the size of the potatoes, and the firmness of the skin. By paying attention to these signs, you’ll be able to harvest your potatoes at the peak of their flavor and nutrition.

Digging Up Potatoes: Techniques and Tools

Proper Digging Tools

When it comes to digging up potatoes, it’s important to have the right tools. A digging fork or a spade is ideal for the job. A digging fork is better for harvesting larger crops, while a spade is better for smaller crops. Make sure that the tool you choose is sharp and sturdy. This will make it easier to cut through the soil and avoid damaging the potatoes.

Techniques for Digging

Once you have the right tools, it’s time to start digging. Begin by loosening the soil around the plants with a fork or spade. Be careful not to damage the potatoes as you dig. Use a gentle lifting motion to lift the potatoes out of the soil. If you’re using a fork, insert it into the soil at a 45-degree angle to avoid piercing the potatoes.

If you’re harvesting new potatoes, you can leave the plants in the ground and simply remove the potatoes that are ready. To do this, gently brush away the soil around the base of the plant and remove the potatoes by hand.

It’s important to handle the potatoes carefully as you dig them up. Avoid dropping them or throwing them into a container. Instead, gently place them in a basket or box to prevent bruising or damage.

In conclusion, digging up potatoes requires the right tools and techniques. With a little care and attention, you can harvest a bountiful crop of delicious potatoes.

Post-Harvest Handling of Potatoes

After harvesting your potatoes, it is essential to handle them properly to ensure that they last as long as possible. Post-harvest handling involves curing and storing your potatoes correctly.

Curing Potatoes

Curing potatoes is the process of allowing the skins to toughen and any minor injuries to heal. It also helps to reduce the risk of disease and rot. To cure your potatoes, simply leave them in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Ideal curing temperatures range from 50 to 60°F (10 to 15°C), with humidity levels around 85 to 90 percent.

During the curing process, keep an eye on your potatoes and remove any that show signs of decay or disease. Also, avoid exposing your potatoes to direct sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and produce solanine, a toxic compound.

Storing Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cured, it’s time to store them. Proper storage conditions are crucial to prevent rot and extend the shelf life of your potatoes. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Store your potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Ideal storage temperatures range from 40 to 45°F, according to the University of Oregon Extension Service.
• Avoid storing your potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause the starches to turn into sugar, resulting in a gritty texture and a sweet taste.
• Keep your potatoes away from onions, as they emit gases that can cause your potatoes to sprout and spoil.
• Check your potatoes regularly and remove any that show signs of decay or disease.

By following these post-harvest handling tips, you can ensure that your potatoes stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to harvesting potatoes, it’s important to know when to dig them up to ensure the best quality and yield. However, there are some common mistakes that many gardeners make that can negatively impact the harvest. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Harvesting Too Early or Too Late

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when harvesting potatoes is doing it too early or too late. If you harvest too early, the potatoes won’t have reached their full size and may not be fully mature. On the other hand, if you wait too long to harvest, the potatoes may start to rot or sprout, which can affect their quality.

To avoid these mistakes, pay attention to the foliage of the potato plants. When the plants start to yellow and die back, it’s a sign that the potatoes are close to maturity. However, it’s important to wait a few more weeks before harvesting to allow the potatoes to fully mature.

Improper Handling and Storage

Another common mistake that can affect the quality of your potato harvest is improper handling and storage. Potatoes are sensitive to light and moisture, so it’s important to handle them carefully and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

When harvesting potatoes, be gentle and avoid bruising or damaging them. Any cuts or bruises can lead to rot and spoilage. After harvesting, allow the potatoes to dry in a cool, dark place for a few days before storing them.

When storing potatoes, choose a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a basem*nt or root cellar. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause the starches to convert to sugar and affect the taste and texture of the potatoes.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a successful potato harvest with high-quality and delicious potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for potatoes to be ready for harvesting after planting?

The time it takes for potatoes to be ready for harvesting after planting varies depending on the variety of potato, soil conditions, and weather. However, on average, it takes about 70-120 days for potatoes to be ready for harvesting after planting.

How can you tell when potatoes are ready to harvest?

There are several signs that indicate that your potatoes are ready for harvesting. One of the most common signs is when the foliage of the potato plants turns yellow and begins to die back. This is usually an indication that the potatoes have reached maturity and are ready for harvesting. Another way to tell if your potatoes are ready for harvesting is to dig up a few plants and check the size of the potatoes. If the potatoes are the size you desire, then they are ready for harvesting.

Is it okay to dig up potatoes before they flower?

Yes, it is okay to dig up potatoes before they flower. In fact, some varieties of potatoes never flower. The foliage of the potato plant is a better indicator of when to dig up the potatoes.

What are the signs that potatoes have gone bad?

Potatoes that have gone bad will have several signs. One of the most common signs is a soft, mushy texture. Another sign is a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the potatoes.

How do you properly cure potatoes after harvesting?

To properly cure potatoes after harvesting, you should first clean them by removing any dirt or debris. Then, place them in a single layer on newspaper, trays, or cardboard in a cool (50-60°F) and dark spot with relatively high humidity for 1-2 weeks. This process will allow the potatoes to dry and heal any cuts or bruises before storage. You can also cure potatoes in the soil by clipping off the dead plants at the soil level, and leaving the plants in the soil for 1-2 weeks before digging.

More Potato Growing Tips

• Fertilizing Potato Plants
• Planting Potatoes from Eyes