Growing potatoes in Nevada can be a rewarding experience. The state’s semi-arid climate and alkaline soils provide ideal growing conditions for potatoes. With temperatures ranging from as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, potatoes need to be planted early in the season to ensure adequate growth.
With the help of soil amendments such as gypsum, limestone, and sulfur, the soil can be made more suitable for potato growth. Potatoes require regular irrigation to ensure that they receive enough moisture to grow. When harvesting, potatoes should be carefully dug up so as not to damage the tubers. With the right care and attention, Nevada is a great place to grow potatoes!
Nevada’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 5 is the highest growing zone in Nevada, with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The average annual minimum temperature is -10°F, with extreme cold temperatures occasionally dipping to -20°F or lower. Growing seasons are relatively short and can last from mid-May to mid-September. Precipitation is sparse, with an average of 12-14 inches of rain per year.
Zone 6 is slightly warmer than Zone 5 and has a slightly longer growing season. The average annual minimum temperature is -5°F and extreme cold temperatures can drop to -15°F. The growing season typically lasts from early May to late September. Precipitation is still relatively low, with an average of 13-15 inches of rain per year.
Zone 7 is the warmest of the growing zones in Nevada, with an average annual minimum temperature of 0°F and extreme cold temperatures rarely falling below -10°F. The growing season can last from late April to early October. Precipitation increases to an average of 16-18 inches of rain per year.
Zone 8 is slightly cooler than Zone 7 and has a slightly shorter growing season. The average annual minimum temperature is 5°F, with extreme cold temperatures occasionally dropping to -5°F. The growing season typically lasts from late March to late September. Precipitation is also slightly higher at an average of 18-20 inches of rain per year.
Zone 9 is the lowest growing zone in Nevada, with an average annual minimum temperature of 10°F and extreme cold temperatures rarely falling below 0°F. The growing season can last from mid-March to mid-September. Precipitation is higher, with an average of 20-22 inches of rain per year.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Nevada, it is important to be mindful of the variety’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them.
Early-season varieties such as ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Red Norland’ have fewer days to harvest and should be planted as soon as possible for harvesting in late summer.
Mid-season varieties such as ‘Russet Burbank’ and ‘Kennebec’ have more days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in fall.
Late-season varieties such as ‘Cara Russet’ and ‘All Blue’ have the most days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in early winter. Be sure to select varieties with the right number of days to harvest for your intended harvest date. Some good potato varieties for Nevada include:
- Russet Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Red Potatoes: 80-90 days
- Purple Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Fingerling Potatoes: 90-120 days
- Sweet Potatoes: 90-120 days
- White Potatoes: 90-100 days
- All-Blue Potatoes: 95-105 days
- Yellow Finn Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Kennebec Potatoes: 85-95 days
When To Plant Potatoes In Nevada
Potatoes should be planted in Nevada in the late spring after all danger of frost has passed. Potatoes can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. The ideal soil temperature for planting potatoes is 45°F (7°C). In Nevada, this typically happens in April or May.
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
- Zone 9: Around February 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In Nevada
Begin the planting process for seed potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating organic compost. Once you have done this, find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed potatoes.
Plant the seed potatoes with the “eyes” facing upward, leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each. Cover the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3-4 inches thick, and make sure to water them adequately. As the potatoes start to sprout, add more soil to the rows to keep them adequately buried.
Water the potatoes on a regular basis and remove any weeds from the area. For those living in hot and dry climates, you may want to cover the soil around the potatoes with straw, although this is not essential.
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is pretty easy – they’re incredibly hardy and generally no-fuss. Potato plants need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth. Potato plants need a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This should be applied every four to six weeks, depending on the soil’s nutrient content.
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist, as potatoes do not tolerate dry or waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the potato plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
When To Harvest Potatoes In Nevada
There are two sure ways to know your potatoes are about ready to harvest! The first is counting backward from your current date to their planting date. Potato varieties have an approximate number of days to harvest, so consult the days to harvest for the particular variety of potatoes you’ve planted. If you aren’t sure, assume it’s around 100 days.
The appearance of your potato plants is another dead giveaway. You will know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back. Your plants will go through an entire flowering cycle, which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful.
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvesting, but don’t allow it to be dry for too long. Once harvested, inspect the potatoes carefully- they should be firm and free of green or soft spots.
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the potatoes in the process. Once the potatoes have all been dug up, brush off any excess soil and inspect them for any damage. Discard any potatoes that are damaged, as these are not suitable for long-term storage.
Finally, gently place the potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark area for storage. It is important to only store undamaged potatoes, as damaged potatoes can quickly rot.