farm potatoes in Texas can be a rewarding but thought-provoking feat . The vivid heat and dry clime of Texas can make it difficult for potatoes to thrive . With proper direction , however , it is possible to successfully grow potatoes in Texas . It ’s important to prefer a variety of white potato vine that are well - suited to the climate and to check that that the soil is well - draining and has plenty of organic thing . With the right-hand circumstance , you’re able to successfully grow potatoes in Texas and enjoy the wages of your strong work !
Texas’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Texas is lie with for its wide ambit of clime due to its size and geographical location . The Department of State typically experience hot summers and balmy winter . The high-pitched temperature occur in the summer while the lowest temperatures occur in the winter . Depending on the area , temperatures can drift from the high 90s to 100s in the summer to the low 20 in the winter .
The hardiness zona of Texas chain from 6b to 9a . Zone 6b is typically found in the western and northerly part of the DoS and experience much cooler temperatures than the rest of the land . This zona typically feel temperature rate from 0 - 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 70 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer . 9a is found in the southern parts of the state .
Find your Texas hardiness geographical zone here .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Texas , it is authoritative to be mindful of the variety ’s days to harvest time and the duration of time you have before you require to glean them .
former - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have fewer solar day to harvest and should be planted as presently as possible for harvest in late summer .
Mid - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more days to glean and should be planted in belated April or early May for harvesting in descent .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All Blue ’ have the most Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to reap and should be embed in late April or early May for harvest home in tardy fall to former wintertime . Be certain to select varieties with the veracious number of daytime to harvest for your intended harvest date . Some good potato change for Texas include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Texas
In Texas , spud should be plant at the start of the growing season , typically in March or April , when the grime has warmed to at least 60 ° farad . Planting should be done two weeks before the average last spring Robert Frost engagement , which commonly fall in former March or early April . Be mindful of your atmospheric condition forecast in the upcoming days and weeks – if it appears your region may have a tardy rime , holdup implant your potatoes by a few supererogatory days . The approximate planting date for each zone in Texas are :
How To Plant Potatoes In State
Begin the planting summons for come potatoes by till the soil to a depth of 8 inches and contain organic compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunshine and place the seeded player potatoes .
constitute the seed tater with the “ eyes ” confront upward , leave a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each . Cover the ejaculate potatoes with a bed of territory that is 3 - 4 inches fatheaded , and make indisputable to irrigate them adequately . As the potatoes start to shoot , bring more stain to the dustup to keep them adequately eat up .
Water the potatoes on a unconstipated foundation and transfer any weeds from the area . For those live in blistering and dry clime , you may desire to cover the soil around the Solanum tuberosum with straw , although this is not essential .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato flora is passably easy – they ’re incredibly hardy and generally no - fuss . Potato plant need full sun and well - drained dirt to flourish . They should be watered deeply and regularly , allowing the soil to dry out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also crucial for optimal growth . Potato works need a balanced fertilizer with equal part atomic number 7 , daystar , and potassium . This should be apply every four to six weeks , depending on the territory ’s nutrient content .
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist , as potatoes do not tolerate dry or waterlogged status . mulch around the Solanum tuberosum plants can help keep on moisture and slenderize Mary Jane .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Texas
There are two sure way to know your potatoes are aboutready to harvest!The first is counting backward from your current date to their planting engagement . Potato variety have an approximate number of twenty-four hours to harvest , so consult the day to harvest for the particular motley of potatoes you ’ve plant . If you are n’t sure , assume it ’s around 100 day .
The appearing of your potato plant life is another dead giveaway . You will sleep together your Irish potato are quick to harvest when the leaf begins to turn jaundiced and die back . Your plant will go through an intact flowering cycle , which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful .
Allow the filth around the plant life to dry out before harvesting , but do n’t allow it to be teetotal for too long . Once harvested , scrutinise the white potato carefully- they should be unbendable and free of unripe or soft spots .
cautiously dig up the potatoes with a garden forking , take tending not to damage the Solanum tuberosum in the process . Once the potatoes have all been dug up , brush off any supernumerary soil and scrutinise them for any damage . Discard any murphy that are damage , as these are not desirable for long - term storage .
Finally , gently place the potatoes in a cool , ironical , and sorry country for memory board . It is crucial to only store undamaged tater , as damage Irish potato can cursorily decompose .
