Potatoes are a popular crop in Louisiana, as they are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and can be planted year-round. Potatoes can be planted in Louisiana from March to June and from September to December. The best soil for growing potatoes is light and sandy, with plenty of organic matter, such as manure or compost.
Louisiana’s moist climate is ideal for growing potatoes, and a soil pH of around 6.0-6.5 is ideal for the crop. It is important to ensure that potatoes get adequate water during the growing season and to harvest the potatoes before the first frost. With the right conditions, Louisiana’s soil can produce a delicious crop of potatoes.
Louisiana’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. Growing zones 8 and 9 generally have mild winters with average temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in these zones are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.
Rainfall is abundant in these zones, with the highest amounts occurring in the spring and summer months. This provides the perfect environment for a variety of plants and vegetables to thrive. The soil in these zones is generally fertile and well-drained, making it ideal for gardening.
The climate of growing zones 8 and 9 of Louisiana make it an excellent place to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Gardeners in these areas can expect to enjoy a long growing season with plenty of sunshine and rain.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana
In Louisiana, potatoes should be planted in late February or early March. They can also be planted in April if temperatures are mild. The optimal soil temperature for planting potatoes is 45°F. When the soil temperature has reached this temperature, potatoes can be planted. The planting dates for potatoes in Louisiana are:
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
- Zone 9: Around February 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In Louisiana
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 Louisiana
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.
