Potatoe Varieties for Florida
Potatoes are one of the most satisfying crops to grow, with their lush green foliage above ground and clusters of hidden treasures beneath the soil. These tuber-producing plants belong to the nightshade family and come in a wide range of varieties, from fluffy Russets to colorful reds, yellows, and purples. Growing potatoes offers a fun and almost magical experience as you gently dig to discover what’s been developing underground.
In Florida planting zone 9, potatoes are typically grown during the cooler months, taking advantage of the mild winters and avoiding the intense summer heat. The plants start off from seed potatoes—cut pieces of a mature tuber—and grow quickly, forming an attractive leafy canopy. Once the leaves begin to yellow and die back, it's a sign that the potatoes are ready to be harvested. The moment of unearthing fresh potatoes can be one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.
Potatoes are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be baked, mashed, fried, roasted, or boiled and are a staple ingredient in dishes around the world. From comforting soups and stews to crispy home fries and creamy mashed potatoes, this humble vegetable is as delicious as it is filling. Because they are high in starch and energy-rich, potatoes have long served as a reliable food source in many cultures.
I would give potatoes a 3 out of 5 on how easy they are to grow. While not overly difficult, they do require loose, well-drained soil, timely planting, and protection from pests like potato beetles and nematodes, making them moderately challenging for new gardeners.
Potato Varieties:
Yukon Gold
Heirloom
Description: Yukon Gold is a popular yellow-fleshed potato known for its creamy texture and buttery flavor. Ideal for baking, roasting, and mashing.
Growing Season: Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Stores well and grows reliably in most climates. Matures in about 80–90 days.
Red Pontiac
Heirloom
Description: Red Pontiac potatoes have bright red skin and white flesh. Excellent for boiling, roasting, and stews.
Growing Season: Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: High-yielding. Performs well in sandy or loamy soil. Matures in about 90–110 days.
Kennebec
Heirloom
Description: Kennebec potatoes have light brown skin and white flesh. Excellent all‑purpose potato for frying, baking, and mashing.
Growing Season: Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Great disease resistance. Matures in about 80–100 days.
Purple Majesty
Heirloom
Description: Purple Majesty potatoes have deep purple skin and flesh. Rich in antioxidants with a mild flavor.
Growing Season: Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Best roasted or baked to keep color. Matures in about 75–85 days.
Russet Burbank
Heirloom
Description: Classic large baking potato with brown skin and dry, fluffy white flesh. Excellent for fries and baking.
Growing Season: Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 3–9
Special Notes: Late-maturing variety (90–110 days). Prefers loose, well‑drained soil.
Florida Vegetable Planting Guide
This guide provides information on when to start seeds inside, direct seed, and transplant starter plants in the different regions of Florida.
North USDA Planting Zones: 8b–9a
Central USDA Planting Zones: 9b & some of 10a
South USDA Planting Zones: 10a–11b
Visit the U.S. National Arboretum for an Exact USDA Planting Zone Map.
| Potatoes | North Florida | Central Florida | South Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Seeds Inside | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Direct Seed | Jan-Feb/Aug | Jan-Feb/Aug-Sep | Sep-Jan |
| Transplant Starter Plants | Feb-Mar/Sep | Feb-Mar/Sep-Oct | Oct-Feb |
Planting Guide – Potatoes
Getting Started
Direct Planting:
Instead of true seed, you plant seed tubers or cut pieces of a potatoe with at least one “eye.” For Florida, cooler-season planting (winter to early spring) in well-drained soil gives the best performance.
Potatoes are easy to grow if you give them a dedicated bed with loose soil and room to spread. Hilling soil around the stems as they grow helps improve yield and protects tubers from turning green.
Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing
Soil:
Potatoes prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH around 5.0 to 6.0. Avoid spots that stay soggy after rain; raised rows or beds work very well.
Sun:
Full sun is ideal—aim for at least 6 hours of light per day. Partial shade will reduce overall yield.
Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Standing water can cause tuber rot, while big swings between dry and wet can lead to rough skin and misshapen potatoes.
Spacing:
Plant seed pieces about 6–8 inches apart in the row, with rows 30–36 inches apart. Set pieces about 4 inches deep with the eyes facing up.
Fertilization, Care, and Problems
Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Potatoes are heavy feeders. A balanced garden fertilizer with good nitrogen and potassium support works well. Apply the recommended rate for root crops or potatoes on the package.
When to Add:
Before Planting: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil and apply your base fertilizer according to the product directions.
During the Growing Season: Side-dress along the row about 3–4 weeks after emergence, then hill soil back over the band and water it in.
Application Tips:
- Always follow the directions on the fertilizer package.
- Keep fertilizer slightly away from seed pieces and stems so it does not burn them.
- Water after feeding so nutrients move into the root zone.
- Replenish organic matter every season; Florida heat breaks it down quickly.
- Hill soil around stems several times to protect tubers from sunlight and encourage more potatoes.
- Avoid low, wet spots; potatoes dislike standing water.
Harvesting:
Harvest when the foliage has died back and the vines naturally yellow. Wait about 2–3 weeks for the skins to toughen, then dig carefully. Most garden potatoes in Florida are ready in about 80–115 days, depending on the variety and planting time.
Pests and Diseases in Florida:
- Wireworms: Larvae that tunnel into seed pieces and tubers, leaving holes and scars.
- Flea Beetles: Tiny beetles that chew small shot-holes in the leaves, especially damaging to young plants.
- Aphids: Soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap and can spread viruses.
- Early and Late Blight: Fungal diseases that spot and kill foliage and can damage tubers.
- Root-Knot Nematodes: Microscopic worms that cause galls on roots and reduce vigor; crop rotation and organic matter help keep them in check.
Blog post on Natural Fertilizers
Natural Pest Control
Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid
Companion Plants:
| Beans & Peas (legumes) | Help fix nitrogen in the soil and improve overall fertility around potatoes, especially when used in rotation. |
| Marigold | Known to help reduce some soil pests and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects. |
| Horseradish | Traditional companion said to help deter certain pests when planted at the corners of the potato patch. |
Plants to Avoid Nearby:
| Tomato | Shares many of the same diseases and pests as potatoes; planting together can increase problems for both. |
| Eggplant | Another nightshade with similar insect and disease issues; better used in rotation than side-by-side. |
| Pepper | Also in the Solanaceae family and can carry diseases that affect potatoes; keep these in a different bed. |