Growing potatoes in Utah is an excellent choice for those looking to have a successful garden. Utah has the perfect climate for potatoes to thrive, with temperatures ranging between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the soil is well-drained and full of nutrients. With proper preparation and care, one can expect a good crop of potatoes every year.
Utah is especially known for its Russet potatoes, which are popular for baking and mashing. Additionally, potatoes are very easy to grow in Utah, requiring minimal maintenance and effort. With a little bit of compost, fertilizer, and water, potatoes can be harvested in as little as three months. Growing potatoes in Utah can be a great experience and a great way to get fresh, healthy potatoes in the summer.
Utah’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 4a, the coldest, is found in the high mountains of Northern Utah, where the average temperature ranges between -30 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This zone is characterized by short, cool summers, with temperatures rarely reaching above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are long and cold, with regular snowfalls, and temperatures can drop below zero.
Zone 5a is found in the mountains of Central Utah and along the Wasatch Front. This zone has a slightly milder climate than 4a, with the winter average temperature around -10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer average temperature around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are still cool, with temperatures rarely rising above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and snowfall is common in the winter.
Zone 6a is located in the foothills and valleys of Central and Southern Utah. The winter average temperature is around 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer average is around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this zone are warm, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s. Winters are cold, and snowfall is common.
Hardiness Zones 7a through 9a
Zone 7a is located in the high desert of Southern Utah. The winter average temperature is around 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer average is around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is characterized by warm summers, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and above. Winters are cold and dry, with occasional snowfall.
Zone 8a is located in the low desert of Southern Utah, where the winter average temperature is around 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer average is around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is characterized by hot summers, with temperatures often reaching into the triple digits, and mild winters, with occasional snowfall.
Finally, Zone 9a is found in the arid Southwest corner of Utah, where the winter average temperature is around 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer average is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is characterized by hot, dry summers, with temperatures often reaching into the triple digits, and mild winters, with occasional snowfall.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Utah, 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 Utah 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 Utah
Potatoes can be planted in Utah from mid-March to mid-April when the soil temperature is 45-50°F. Plant potatoes in a sunny spot where the soil is fertile and well-draining. Plant the potatoes 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart. Cover them with soil and water thoroughly after planting.
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
- 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 Utah
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 Utah
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.
