The state of Idaho is well known for its potato production, as the state produces more than 13 billion pounds of potatoes each year. Growing potatoes in Idaho is a great way to produce a high yield of potatoes with minimal effort. As Idaho is known for its rich, fertile soil and temperate climate, potatoes can be easily grown in the state. With a bit of preparation and care, potatoes can be planted and harvested in Idaho, with the harvest typically ready for picking in late summer or early fall. Potatoes grown in Idaho are also known for their excellent flavor, making them a great option for home gardens.
Idaho’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 3 is located in northern Idaho and has a colder climate compared to the rest of the state. Winters are long and harsh, with temperatures rarely rising above freezing and snowfall of up to 20 inches. Summers are short and cool, with average temperatures in the 70s.
Zone 4 is located in the panhandle region of Idaho and has an overall moderate climate. Winters are cold with temperatures rarely above freezing and snowfall of up to 20 inches, while summers are warm and mild with temperatures reaching the low 80s.
Zone 5 is located in the southwestern part of Idaho and has a warm and dry climate. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely falling below freezing and snowfall of only five inches. Summers are warm with temperatures reaching the low 90s.
Zone 6 is located in the south-central part of Idaho and has a hot and dry climate. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely below freezing and snowfall of only five inches. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching the low 100s.
Zone 7 is located in the southeastern part of Idaho and has an arid climate. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely falling below freezing and snowfall of only five inches. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures reaching the low 100s.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Idaho, 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 Idaho 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 Idaho
Idaho has a long growing season with warm days and cool nights. Ideal potato planting time in Idaho is typically between mid-April and mid-May, after the last expected frost date. Potatoes can also be planted in late August for a fall crop. The soil should be well-drained and fertile, with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.
- Zone 3: Around May 1st
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
How To Plant Potatoes In Idaho
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 Idaho
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.
