How to Grow Potatoes Guide 🥔

Growing Non-GMO Russet Seed Potatoes

Bury seed potatoes in loose, neutral to acidic soil in early spring. They can handle moderately cold temperatures and light frosts. Using seed potatoes rather than cutting your own is best to ensure that each “seed” has an eye that will sprout a healthy plant. Seed potatoes are also less likely to mold or decay in the soil because they are ready for planting. Russet potatoes are grown very similar to other potato varieties but are expected to grow larger. Start by digging a trench 6-8 inches deep. Tubers should be buried at least 4 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart. The excess soil will be used to hill up around the tubers as they grow. Not planting seed potatoes deep enough can result in high-set tubers being exposed to sunlight and becoming green. Starting when the plants reach about 8 inches high, hill up the soil around them periodically to avoid the tubers from poking out.

Fertilize at the time of planting and once again when the seedlings have emerged. Water regularly throughout the early and mid-season. Once the vines begin to naturally die off (about 70 days), decrease watering. This is a signal that the potatoes are getting ready to be harvested. If your fall frost is coming and the green bush is not turning brown yet, kill them by cutting the stem down. The potatoes need 2-3 weeks in the soil after the vine dies off to develop a good skin for storage.

Russet Seed Potatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Potato plants are a staple for every homesteader or home gardener wishing to store away food for the winter. These beautiful bushy plants produce large tubers beneath the soil. When they are ready to harvest, it is like digging up buried treasure! In an edible landscape, potatoes are great for filling in greenery to highlight other colorful plants.

Harvesting Name of Russet Seed Potatoes

Once the potatoes have been left to cure in the soil for 2-3 weeks after the bush turns brown, carefully dig up the tubers. Use a shovel or turning fork 24-30 inches away from the base of the plant to loosen the soil. Remove the tubers from the soil. Hand removal is the best for avoiding punctures. Store in a cool place (45F) with high humidity (90-95%) for extended storage life. They can last several months in good conditions and even longer in some situations.

About Russet Seed Potatoes

Russet potatoes are oblong with thick skin, making them perfect for longer-term storage and transportation.

This variety is ideal for a light and fluffy mashed potato. It is also often used for french fries as they create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Russet potatoes, often called Russet Burbanks, were developed by Luther Burbank in the late 1800s. The purpose was to develop a potato that would resist the virus that caused the potato famine in Ireland.

Seed potatoes are the best for ensuring a healthy good crop each year.

Use these potatoes to make classic baked potatoes, roast them on a sheet pan in cubes, or thinly slice and fry them for a delicious side dish.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"From personal experience I can attest that potato plants and seed potatoes can only handle light frosts. Hard frosts will kill the tuber and plant. I also learned this year that they must have full sun. I tried planting a few plants in part sun to see if they would be okay and the tubers produced were tiny and inedible."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Russet Seed Potatoes Seeds Per Package:

• 2 Lb - Wholesale - Approximately # Seeds
• 5 Lb - Wholesale - Approximately # Seeds
• 10 Lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately # Seeds

Non-GMO Russet Seed Potatoes seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.