The Yukon Gold potato is a popular, mid-season variety known for its versatility, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. The overall growth cycle typically spans 60 to 90 days from planting the seed potato, but the exact harvest time depends on the desired size. This timeframe can shift slightly based on local climate and growing conditions, yet the Yukon Gold is firmly in the early-to-mid-season category. Growing them requires careful timing, specific environmental setup, and ongoing attention to ensure a successful yield.
Defining the Growth Cycle Timeline
The duration of the growth cycle is flexible because the definition of a “grown” potato changes with the intended use. Gardeners wanting small, delicate “new potatoes” can begin harvesting approximately 60 to 70 days after planting, often around the time the plant begins to flower. These early tubers are characterized by their small size, soft, thin skin that rubs off easily, and are best for immediate consumption rather than long-term storage.
For a full-sized, mature crop suitable for baking, mashing, and winter storage, the potatoes require 80 to 90 days, sometimes extending to 110 days for maximum size. During this longer phase, the plant focuses on bulking up the underground tubers and thickening their outer skin. Harvesting too early sacrifices the potential for a large, storage-ready crop.
The rate of tuber development is largely fixed by the variety’s genetics, but environmental factors influence the speed. Mild, consistent weather patterns encourage steady growth, while extreme heat (night temperatures exceeding 68°F) can slow or halt tuber formation. The calendar date serves as a guideline, but the plant’s visual cues ultimately signal readiness.
Essential Requirements for Successful Growth
Yukon Golds thrive best with foundational environmental conditions that support subterranean tuber expansion. The planting location must receive full sun, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel the top growth that feeds the developing potatoes underground. Insufficient sunlight leads to reduced yields and a prolonged growth timeline.
The soil should be loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter to allow the tubers to expand freely without becoming misshapen. Compacted or heavy clay soil can physically restrict the developing potatoes. A slightly acidic soil pH, ideally 5.5 to 6.5, is beneficial, as a higher pH increases the risk of common potato scab disease.
Planting should commence when the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F, though 55°F is more favorable for quick sprouting and emergence. Cool, moist conditions are preferred during the initial tuber formation stage. Once established, consistent temperatures without extreme heat spikes support the best growth.
Key Maintenance Steps
After planting, hilling is one of the most important ongoing tasks, involving periodically mounding soil or organic material around the base of the growing stems. This practice prevents developing potatoes from being exposed to sunlight, which causes them to turn green and produce solanine. Hilling should begin when the plant stems reach six to eight inches, and be repeated as the plant grows.
Consistent and deep watering is paramount, particularly immediately following flowering, which is when the main tuber set occurs. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. Inconsistent watering stresses the tubers, potentially leading to growth cracks or misshapen potatoes.
Recognizing the Signs of Readiness
The most reliable sign that Yukon Gold potatoes are fully mature and ready for a storage harvest is the natural dieback of the foliage, known as senescence. When the green tops begin to turn yellow, wither, and collapse, it indicates the plant has finished its growth cycle and is dedicating energy to setting the skin of the tubers. For the main crop, it is recommended to wait two weeks after the foliage has completely died back before digging up the potatoes.
Harvesting New Potatoes
New potatoes can be harvested much earlier by gently digging around the plant’s perimeter after flowering, while the vines are still green. This allows the gardener to take a small portion of the yield while leaving the main plant to continue growing larger tubers.
Curing for Storage
For mature potatoes, a brief post-harvest process called curing is necessary. This involves allowing the harvested tubers to dry in a dark, humid place at 50 to 60°F for one to two weeks. Curing toughens the skin, heals minor abrasions, and significantly extends storage life.