How to Grow Potatoes Guide 🥔

Growing Non-GMO Organic Cal White Potatoes

Cal White Organic Seed Potatoes are best planted in early spring once the soil has warmed to about 50 F and the risk of frost has passed. Start by cutting seed potatoes into 2-inch chunks, ensuring each piece has at least one or two “eyes” (sprouts). Allow the cut pieces to dry and scab over for 1 to 2 days before planting, which helps reduce the risk of rot. Before planting, it’s beneficial to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich its nutrient content. The recommended sowing depth for potatoes is 3-4 inches deep. Space each seed piece 12-15 inches apart in rows, with 30 to 36 inches between each row.

As the potato plants grow, it’s important to “hill” them by mounding soil around the base of the plants. This keeps the developing tubers covered and prevents exposure to sunlight, which can cause greening and make the potatoes inedible due to solanine toxicity. Ensure the plants receive at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Potatoes grow well in sandy to sandy-loam soils.

Side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizer once the plants are around 6 inches tall will promote strong growth and tuber production. Good companion plants include beans, which fix nitrogen into the soil, and cabbage family plants (such as kale or cabbage). Potatoes should not be planted near tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers. Additionally, rotating potatoes with other crops each year is crucial to reduce the risk of disease buildup in the soil.

Organic Cal White Potatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Potatoes are valued for their storage ability in the vegetable garden. While they can be eaten fresh, they can also be stored away for months and eaten throughout the winter. They are a great choice for homesteaders. In addition to their practical uses, the attractive, green foliage of potato plants can serve as an ornamental feature in vegetable gardens, and they can be grown in containers, raised beds, or traditional in-ground rows.

Harvesting Organic Cal White Potatoes

The best time to harvest is when the plant's foliage has started to die back and turn yellow, which usually happens after the flowering phase. This indicates that the tubers have reached maturity and are ready for storage.

To harvest, begin by gently loosening the soil around the base of the plant using a garden fork or spade. Be careful not to stab or damage the tubers as you work. Once the soil is loosened, gently pull up the plants by their stems, shaking off the soil to reveal the potatoes.

Once harvested, allow the potatoes to sit on the soil surface for a few hours to dry and cure in the sun. If the weather is too hot or wet, move them to a cool, dry place with good ventilation for a few days to cure. This helps toughen the skin, improving its storage life.

About Organic Cal White Potatoes

Despite having thin skin, these delicious oblong-shaped tubers have great storage quality.

The Cal White potato was released by the University of California in 1997 and consistently puts out impressively high yields of excellent-tasting tubers.

Potatoes, in general, have been cultivated for over 7,000 years, originating in the Andean region of South America. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, they quickly became a staple food crop across the world.

Their creamy white flesh and smooth skin make them ideal for boiling, roasting, and mashing, and they are popular among home gardeners and chefs alike for their superior taste and texture.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Harvesting potatoes is hands down, one of my favorite garden tasks. You feel like a pirate digging up buried treasure. Because they are largely growing where you can’t see them, how much you get is always a surprise. Plus, I always love a reason to get involved with the soil."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Cal White Potato Info Card

Organic Cal White Potatoes Crowns/Roots/Bulbs Per Package:

• 2 lb - Wholesale
• 5 lb - Wholesale
• 10 lb - Bulk

Non-GMO Organic Cal White Seed Potatoes are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.