seed potatoes

When To Plant Potatoes In Indiana

Potatoes are a popular crop in the state of Indiana, where they are grown in a variety of soils and climates. For maximum yields, potatoes should be grown in sandy loam soils that provide good drainage and a pH level of 6.0-7.0. Potatoes should be planted in the early spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F. Harvesting should occur when the plants start to die back, usually in late summer or early fall.

Depending on the variety, potatoes can be stored for several months in a cool, dark, and humid environment. With proper care and attention, Indiana potato farmers can expect a high yield of potatoes each season.

Indiana’s Hardiness Zones And Climate

Zone 5 in Indiana has a humid continental climate, which is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. The average temperatures range from -10°F to 85°F. The region typically receives around 35 inches of precipitation annually, and experiences heavy snowfall in the winter months, with the average snowfall being around 41 inches.

Zone 6 in Indiana has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by warm and humid summers, and mild winters. The average temperatures range from 5°F to 87°F. The region typically receives around 46 inches of precipitation annually, and experiences occasional snowfall in the winter months, with the average snowfall being around 13 inches.

Different varieties of seed potatoes

When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Indiana, 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 Indiana include:

  1. Russet Potatoes: 85-95 days
  2. Yukon Gold Potatoes: 90-110 days
  3. Red Potatoes: 80-90 days
  4. Purple Potatoes: 90-110 days
  5. Fingerling Potatoes: 90-120 days
  6. Sweet Potatoes: 90-120 days
  7. White Potatoes: 90-100 days
  8. All-Blue Potatoes: 95-105 days
  9. Yellow Finn Potatoes: 85-95 days
  10. Kennebec Potatoes: 85-95 days

When To Plant Potatoes In Indiana

Potatoes can typically be planted in Indiana in late March or early April when the soil has warmed to 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no more danger of frost. It is also important to wait until the soil is dry enough to work, as wet soil can cause the potatoes to rot. Potatoes are usually planted as soon as possible after the danger of frost has passed. Those dates are:

  • Zone 5: Around April 15th
  • Zone 6: Around April 7th

How To Plant Potatoes In Indiana

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 Indiana

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.

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.