Florida grows potatoes as a significant commercial crop. The industry is uniquely timed, supplying a substantial portion of the country’s “new” potatoes during the winter and early spring months. This timing provides an advantage since northern states cannot harvest potatoes during this cooler period. Florida is a major contributor to the national supply, providing over 35% of the winter and early spring crop and ranking fourth nationally in the value of potatoes produced.
Commercial Potato Production Regions
Commercial potato cultivation is primarily concentrated in northeastern Florida, with St. Johns County being the dominant area. The region around Hastings, including parts of St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, is often called the “Potato Capital of Florida,” accounting for nearly half of the state’s harvested acreage.
This area offers ideal conditions due to its soil and climate. The soil is largely sandy loam, which is loose and well-drained, a preference for potatoes. The specific microclimate, bordered by the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, helps protect crops and provides water for irrigation. While northern Florida focuses on large-scale production for the chipping industry and the fresh market, production also occurs in central and southern parts of the state, such as near Lake Okeechobee.
Timing the Planting and Harvest Cycles
Florida’s mild winter climate dictates a unique seasonal cycle for potato farming, opposite that of the rest of the country. This timing allows the state to fill a gap in the national market before northern state production begins. Planting starts in early October in the warmer southern regions and continues until late February or early March in the northern areas.
The typical growing cycle is about 90 days, meaning the harvest runs from late January through June, providing a steady supply. In the northern production area, planting occurs in January and February, with harvest taking place in April and May. This early harvest yields “new” potatoes—immature tubers with thinner skins highly desired for the fresh market. Varieties favored for this early market are typically red-skinned or white-skinned, with the ‘Atlantic’ variety being a top choice for the chipping industry in the Hastings area.
Growing Potatoes in a Home Garden
For the average Florida resident, growing potatoes at home is possible but requires adapting to the state’s unique soil and climate challenges. Potatoes are a cool-season crop, so the main goal is to complete the harvest before the intense summer heat arrives, which can stress the plants and reduce yields. Planting windows vary by region, with South Florida planting as early as late November, while North Florida gardeners typically plant from mid-January to early March.
Florida’s characteristic sandy soils are naturally low in organic matter and nutrients, requiring significant amendment despite being well-drained. Gardeners should mix in several inches of compost or aged manure to improve water retention and boost fertility. Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Since potatoes do not tolerate standing water, especially during the rainy season, planting in raised beds or containers is a practical method to ensure adequate drainage and prevent rot.
The process begins by planting certified seed potato pieces, each about the size of an egg with at least one “eye,” a few inches deep. As the plants grow, the hilling technique—mounding soil, straw, or compost around the stem—must be used repeatedly. Hilling keeps the developing tubers covered to prevent sunlight exposure, which causes them to turn green and become toxic. Consistent watering is necessary during the tuber formation stage, but gardeners must avoid overwatering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases common in Florida’s humidity.