The Yukon Gold potato, a Canadian-bred hybrid, is celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture. This medium-starch potato is exceptionally versatile, holding its shape well for roasting while still being creamy enough for mashing. Understanding the specific timeline for this cultivar is important, as its growth cycle differs from other potato types. Following an accurate schedule from initial planting to final storage allows gardeners to maximize their harvest of this popular yellow-fleshed tuber.
Starting the Yukon Gold Season
Planting begins in early spring, after the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warm. Planting should occur once the soil temperature is consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally hovering around 50°F. Placing seed potatoes in cold, wet soil increases the risk of rot and delays emergence.
To initiate growth, certified seed potatoes are prepared through chitting, allowing them to sprout in a cool, bright location for several weeks before planting. Large seed potatoes should be cut into two-ounce pieces, each containing at least one or two “eyes.” These cut pieces must dry for two to three days until a protective callus forms over the wound, preventing soil-borne pathogens from entering the seed piece.
Tracking the Growth Cycle
The Yukon Gold is an early to mid-season potato, maturing faster than late-season varieties. After planting, the first visible shoots emerge four to six weeks later. Once the stems reach about eight inches in height, the process of hilling begins, where soil is mounded up around the emerging foliage.
Hilling is necessary throughout the early growth period to cover developing tubers and prevent them from turning green due to light exposure. The appearance of flowers often signals that small, “new” potatoes have begun to form underground. These immature tubers can be harvested as early as 60 to 80 days after planting. Full maturity for a storage harvest is reached between 90 and 110 days, depending on local climate conditions.
Knowing When to Harvest
The clearest visual cue that the Yukon Gold is ready for full-size harvest is the yellowing and eventual dieback of the above-ground foliage, known as the haulms. This indicates the plant is shifting energy into thickening the skin and curing the tubers underground. Harvesting before the foliage dies back results in thin-skinned potatoes prone to bruising and rot.
For mature potatoes intended for storage, wait approximately two weeks after the haulms have completely withered. This waiting period allows the potato skins to toughen, which significantly reduces damage during handling and storage. When harvesting, use a digging fork several inches away from the main stem to carefully lift the tubers, minimizing the risk of piercing the potato.
Maximizing Your Yield Through Proper Storage
Immediately following harvest, potatoes must undergo curing to repair minor injuries and fully set the skin. This involves placing the newly dug potatoes in a dark, humid environment (60°F to 65°F) for 10 to 14 days. This warm, moist atmosphere promotes skin healing, forming a protective layer against moisture loss and disease.
After curing, the Yukon Golds are ready for long-term storage in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space, such as a root cellar. The ideal temperature range for storage is between 38°F and 46°F, which slows the potato’s metabolic process. Maintaining this cooler temperature helps prevent sprouting and shriveling, allowing the potatoes to maintain quality for several months.