Growing potatoes in Florida can be a great way to get a tasty, healthy crop of potatoes. Potatoes grow best in sandy loam soil with good drainage, and Florida has plenty of that. They need plenty of sunlight and water, both of which are abundantly available in Florida.
Planting in raised beds or hills helps to improve drainage, and keeping the soil moist but not soggy helps to ensure a good crop of potatoes. Fertilizers should be added to the soil to ensure the best yield, and mulch can be used to help keep the soil temperature stable and moist. With the right conditions, Florida gardeners can enjoy a plentiful harvest of potatoes each year.
Florida’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
In Zone 8, temperatures range from an average of 10°F in winter to an average of 90°F in summer, with only mild frost in the winter. This zone is ideal for growing flowers, vegetables, and trees that can withstand the hot summers and mild winters.
Zone 9 enjoys a subtropical climate, with an average of 60-80°F in winter and 80-100°F in summer. This zone is suitable for growing tropical fruits and vegetables, as well as cold-hardy plants.
Zone 10 is considered the “warm temperate zone” of Florida, with an average temperature of 50-70°F in winter and 80-100°F in summer. This zone is excellent for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers that need warm temperatures but also some cold.
Finally, Zone 11 is the warmest zone in Florida, with an average temperature of 70-90°F in winter and 90-110°F in summer. This zone is great for growing citrus fruits and other tropical plants, as well as flowers.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Florida, 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 Florida 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 Florida
In Florida, potatoes should be planted during the late winter and early spring when the soil temperature is between 45-50°F. Potatoes should be planted no earlier than late January and no later than late April in most parts of the state. It is important to wait until the soil has warmed up enough to ensure successful germination.
Planting should take place around these dates:
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
- Zone 9: Around February 14th
- Zone 10: After January 15th
- Zone 11: No frost
How To Plant Potatoes In Florida
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 Florida
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.
