Potatoes typically take between 70 to 120 days to grow from planting to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
- Early potatoes mature faster, usually in about 70 to 90 days, and can be harvested as early as June if planted in mid-March.
- Maincrop potatoes take longer, around 90 to 120 days, and are generally harvested from late August through October when the plants die back and leaves turn yellow
The growth stages include sprouting within 15-30 days after planting, tuber formation starting around 15-30 days after emergence, tuber filling between 45-90 days, and full maturity at 90-120 days
. Factors influencing growth time include soil temperature (optimal 50-70°F or 10-21°C), moisture, sunlight, and pest control. Warmer climates can speed up maturation, while cooler climates may extend it
. In summary, expect:
- Early potatoes: about 70-90 days
- Maincrop potatoes: about 90-120 days
Harvest when the plants flower and then die back for full maturity, or dig baby potatoes earlier for new potatoes