What are New Potatoes and When Do You Grow Them?
The ideal time when to grow new potatoes depends on your climate and the specific variety, but generally, it involves planting seed potatoes in early spring to harvest them when they are small and immature. Unlike mature potatoes, new potatoes are dug up before their skins have fully hardened, offering a delicate, waxy texture and a sweet, mild flavour perfect for summer dishes. Growing them successfully means understanding their specific needs from planting through to harvest.
- Plant seed potatoes in early spring for summer harvest.
- New potatoes are harvested young, before full maturity.
- They offer a tender texture and mild, sweet flavour.
- Climate influences precise planting and harvest windows.
The term 'new potato' refers to the stage of harvest rather than a specific variety, though certain types are particularly well-suited for this treatment. Varieties like Charlotte, Anya, or Maris Peer are often favoured for their desirable texture and flavour when harvested young. The 'growing' of new potatoes, therefore, is about timing the planting of suitable 'seed potatoes' – small, whole or cut tubers that are ready to sprout – to coincide with favourable soil temperatures and a sufficient growing season before the main potato crop is typically lifted.
Understanding the Growing Cycle for Young Tubers
The potato plant life cycle progresses from sprouting from the seed potato, developing roots and foliage, forming flowers (if the variety does), and finally, developing tubers underground. New potatoes are harvested during the tuber development stage, typically 2-4 weeks after the plant first starts to flower, or when the tubers reach a desirable small size. This early harvest prevents the skins from hardening and developing the thicker, more robust skin characteristic of maincrop or second-early varieties intended for storage. The key to success when to grow new potatoes lies in providing the right conditions for this rapid, early development.
For those in milder climates, planting can often commence as early as late winter or very early spring, typically around March. However, in areas prone to late frosts, it's prudent to wait until the risk has passed, usually into April or even early May, to avoid damaging the delicate new shoots and developing tubers. Protecting young plants from frost is crucial if planting is done earlier; covering them with horticultural fleece or extra soil (earthing up) can provide this vital safeguard.
The essence of growing new potatoes is a race against time, aiming for tender tubers before the plant fully matures.
When considering when to grow new potatoes, it's also beneficial to think about the planting medium. Whether you're using traditional garden beds, growing bags for potatoes, or even growing potatoes in pots, the principle remains the same: provide well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and consistent moisture. Using containers or growing bags can offer more control over soil temperature and drainage, making them excellent choices for achieving early harvests, especially in challenging soil conditions or limited spaces.
Optimal Planting Times: When to Start Growing Your New Potatoes
Deciding exactly when to plant potatoes to yield new tubers involves assessing your local climate and the anticipated last frost date. As a general rule, seed potatoes for an early harvest should be planted from March through to May. The soil temperature is a critical factor; it should ideally be at least 7°C (45°F) for germination and healthy root development. Planting too early into cold, waterlogged soil can lead to tuber rot and poor growth.
Spring Planting Windows by Region
For much of the UK, the main window for planting first early or second early seed potatoes—varieties most suited for becoming new potatoes—opens in March. In southern regions, planting can begin earlier, potentially late February if the weather is unusually mild and the soil is workable. Gardeners further north or in areas with colder springs might need to delay planting until April or even early May. It’s always worth checking local horticultural advice for the most precise timing in your specific area. The goal is to have the plants established and growing well by the time warmer weather arrives, accelerating tuber formation.
A common practice to get a head start is 'chitting' seed potatoes. This involves placing seed potatoes in a light, cool place (around 10-15°C) for a few weeks before planting. This encourages them to develop short, sturdy sprouts, which can significantly speed up the growth process once planted. If you're asking yourself when to grow new potatoes and want the earliest possible crop, chitting is a highly recommended step. It essentially primes the seed potato for rapid growth upon planting.
Plant seed potatoes with sprouts pointing upwards to encourage the shoots to grow towards the surface, minimising the energy spent by the sprout digging its way through the soil.
Container and Bag Growing Timings
When growing potatoes in pots or dedicated growing bags for potatoes, the timing can be more flexible. The controlled environment allows for planting to commence slightly earlier than in open ground, as you can manage soil temperature and drainage more effectively. Planting can often start in March, provided the containers are protected from severe frost. This method is particularly advantageous for extending the season or for those with limited garden space, offering a convenient way to achieve a crop of new potatoes relatively quickly.
Using containers also simplifies the process of 'earthing up', where soil is drawn up around the stem of the potato plant as it grows. This encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem and protects developing tubers from sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and become toxic. For container growing, you can add more compost or soil around the growing plant in stages, up to the level of the leaves, rather than the base of the stem.
The decision on when to grow new potatoes in containers should still consider the overall weather patterns. If a harsh, prolonged cold snap is forecast, it's wise to delay planting or ensure the containers are adequately insulated. The benefit of containers is their portability; they can be moved to a sheltered spot if severe weather is imminent.
Caring for Your Plants and Knowing When to Harvest
Once your seed potatoes are planted and beginning to sprout, attentive care ensures they develop into a good crop of new potatoes. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, as consistent moisture is key to tuber development and preventing issues like scab or cracking. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to rot, particularly in containers.
Earthing Up: A Crucial Step
As potato plants grow, usually reaching about 15-20cm (6-8 inches) in height, the process of 'earthing up' becomes vital. This involves drawing soil from around the base of the plant to mound up around the stem, covering the lower leaves. Repeat this process 2-3 times during the growing season. Earthing up serves several purposes: it supports the plant, prevents developing tubers from being exposed to light (which causes greening), and encourages the formation of more tubers along the buried portion of the stem. This practice is fundamental to how to grow a potato plant that yields well, especially for new potatoes.
The frequency and timing of earthing up should align with the plant's growth. For new potatoes, you might not need to earth up as extensively as for maincrop varieties, as the tubers are harvested earlier. However, it's still a beneficial practice to protect the developing young tubers from sunlight and promote a good yield. Ensure the soil used for earthing up is loose and free-draining, and avoid damaging the developing root system or tubers.
Ensure consistent watering, especially as the plants start to flower, as this is a critical period for tuber formation.
When to Harvest New Potatoes
The question of when to harvest new potatoes is answered by observing the plants and the tubers themselves. For first early varieties, you can typically start harvesting about 10-12 weeks after planting. Second early varieties may take a little longer, around 12-15 weeks. A clear indicator is when the potato plants start to bloom; the tubers just below the surface are usually developing nicely at this stage and are ready for a taste test.
To check for readiness, gently scrape away some soil from around the base of a plant with your hand or a trowel. If the tubers are of a desirable size for new potatoes (typically golf ball sized or smaller) and their skins are thin and easily rub off, they are ready. If you are growing seed potatoes specifically for new potatoes, aim to harvest them before the skins fully harden.
You can harvest new potatoes selectively by carefully reaching into the soil around the plant and pulling out a few of the larger tubers. This allows the smaller ones to continue growing, extending your harvest period. If you wish to harvest the entire crop, wait until the foliage begins to yellow and die back, which signifies that the tubers have reached maturity, though for 'new' potatoes, this is usually done before this stage.
For those growing potatoes in pots or growing bags, harvesting is often simpler. You can either tip the container out to gather all the tubers, or carefully reach into the side of the bag or pot to extract the larger, developed ones, leaving the smaller ones to grow on.
Alternatives and Considerations for Growing New Potatoes
While the timing and basic methods for growing new potatoes remain similar, there are alternative approaches and considerations that can influence success. These range from choosing specific varieties suited to early production to employing different cultivation techniques that optimise yield and quality.
Variety Selection for Early Crops
The choice of potato variety is paramount when aiming for new potatoes. First early varieties are bred for rapid growth and are typically the quickest to produce small, tender tubers. Examples include 'Swift', 'Acceleration', and 'Lady Christl'. Second early varieties, such as 'Charlotte' or 'Nicola', also lend themselves well to being harvested as new potatoes, though they may require a slightly longer growing season. Maincrop varieties are generally not suitable for harvesting as new potatoes, as they are bred for maximum yield and storage potential, taking much longer to mature.
When you are considering when to grow new potatoes, research local suppliers or garden centres to see which varieties are recommended for your region. Some varieties might perform better in specific soil types or climates. For instance, some waxy varieties hold their shape well after cooking, which is a desirable trait for new potatoes.
Container vs. In-Ground Growing
As mentioned, growing potatoes in pots or growing bags for potatoes offers distinct advantages. Containers allow for better control over soil conditions, drainage, and can be moved to optimise sunlight exposure or protect from adverse weather. This makes them a flexible alternative for many gardeners. In contrast, traditional in-ground planting utilises larger volumes of soil and can be more labour-intensive regarding earthing up and weed control. However, for large harvests, in-ground cultivation is often more space-efficient and requires less frequent watering due to the larger soil mass retaining moisture.
The decision often comes down to available space, desired yield, and the gardener's preference for control versus tradition. Both methods can yield excellent new potatoes if managed correctly. Gardeners often use a combination, planting a few seed potatoes in pots for an early, guaranteed crop while dedicating a larger patch for maincrop varieties or a more substantial new potato yield.
Start with chitted seed potatoes, especially if you are planting later in the season or want to be sure of an early harvest, as this gives them a significant head start.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Potential issues when growing new potatoes include pests like slugs and snails, and diseases such as blight. Ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overcrowding, and practising crop rotation can help prevent diseases. For pests, physical barriers, nematodes, or appropriate organic deterrents can be employed. Frost damage is also a concern for early plantings; covering young plants with fleece or extra soil is the primary defence.
Understanding how to grow a potato plant successfully means being prepared for these eventualities. Early and consistent observation of your plants will allow you to address problems promptly before they significantly impact your crop, ensuring you can enjoy the fruits of your labour when it's time to harvest those delicious young tubers.
Ultimately, the timing for when to grow new potatoes is a blend of horticultural knowledge and practical observation. By selecting appropriate varieties, choosing the right planting method, and paying attention to soil conditions and weather, you can achieve a rewarding harvest of tender, young potatoes.