Growing potatoes in Florida requires close attention to the local climate, which dictates a growing schedule distinct from northern latitudes. Heat and humidity necessitate planting during the cooler months, transforming cultivation into a winter-spring activity. Successful harvesting depends on understanding the specific planting windows and physical cues the plants provide, requiring careful planning tailored to the subtropical environment.
Planting Seasons and Timeline in Florida
Potato cultivation is a cool-season endeavor, with planting dates varying significantly across the state. In South Florida, planting often begins as early as October, allowing harvest before the intense summer heat. Moving northward, the planting window shifts to late winter, typically occurring in January or early February.
The duration from planting to harvest generally ranges from 70 to 100 days, though this can extend up to 120 days for late-maturing varieties. Potatoes thrive in soil temperatures between 49 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Growers must time their planting so the bulk of the growing cycle avoids high summer heat, ensuring the tubers develop fully before the plants naturally shut down.
Visual Indicators of Harvest Readiness
The most reliable signal that a potato plant is ready for a mature harvest is the condition of its foliage. When the plant finishes its life cycle, the vines begin to yellow, wilt, and eventually die back completely (senescence). This natural dieback indicates the plant has diverted all remaining energy and nutrients to the underground tubers.
This process triggers the hardening of the potato skin, known as “skin set.” An immature potato has thin skin that rubs off easily, while a mature potato develops tough skin that resists peeling. For long-term storage, the skin must be fully set, which occurs two to three weeks after the vines have completely died.
If the vines are prematurely killed, the tubers stop growing but may not have fully set their skin. Gardeners should wait the standard two weeks after the foliage has died, regardless of the cause, to ensure the potatoes are ready for storage. Test digging a single plant and checking the skin is the most accurate way to confirm readiness before committing to the full harvest.
Harvesting Techniques and Timing by Potato Type
The timing of the harvest depends on the intended use, distinguishing between new potatoes and mature storage potatoes. New potatoes are small, tender tubers harvested early in the season, typically two to three weeks after the plant has finished flowering while the vines are still green. These potatoes are prized for their delicate flavor and thin skin, but they do not store well and should be consumed shortly after digging.
For a new potato harvest, a gardener can carefully probe around the base of the plant to remove a few small tubers without disturbing the main root system. This technique, sometimes called “bandicooting,” allows the rest of the potatoes to continue growing to full size. In contrast, the harvest for mature potatoes occurs after the plant’s vines have completely died back and the two-to-three-week skin-set period has passed.
When digging up mature potatoes, use a spading fork rather than a shovel to minimize slicing or bruising. Begin digging a foot or more away from the main stem, working in a circle to gently lift the entire plant. Damage to the potato skin can invite pathogens, limiting the tuber’s storage life, so careful excavation is necessary. Once lifted, keep the potatoes out of direct sunlight, as exposure can cause them to turn green and become inedible.
Curing Potatoes for Storage in Humid Climates
After the mature potatoes are harvested, they require a specific post-harvest treatment known as curing, which is particularly important in Florida’s humid environment. Curing is a two-week process that allows any minor scrapes or cuts on the potatoes to heal, while also thickening and toughening the skin. This healing of the skin, or periderm, is the primary defense against rot and moisture loss during long-term storage.
To cure potatoes effectively, spread them in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated space. The temperature should be between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining high humidity, ranging from 85 to 95 percent, is also important during this phase to prevent the potatoes from drying out as the skin heals. Florida’s natural humidity can often be advantageous for meeting this requirement, such as in a covered garage or shed.
Once curing is complete, the potatoes are ready for final storage, which requires different conditions to maintain dormancy. The ideal long-term storage environment is cool and dark, with temperatures maintained near 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a slightly lower relative humidity. Storing the cured potatoes in ventilated containers, like baskets or burlap bags, will help prevent sprouting and maximize their shelf life.