Many homesteaders and gardeners don’t give a lot of thought to the growth cycle of potatoes and their harvesting times.   Yes most of us know that there are numerous varieties of potatoes such Yukon Gold or Kennebec – but few are aware that these are both classified separately from each other in what is called ” determinate ” and ” Indeterminate ” potatoes.

The difference between determinate and indeterminate potatoes lies primarily in their growth patterns and harvesting schedules which will have an impact on your harvest size and annual success.

Let’s look closer at the two types then.

Determinate potatoes, also known as “early” potatoes, grow in a compact manner and produce all their tubers at once. Here are some popular determinate potato varieties:

• Yukon Gold – Known for its yellow flesh and smooth skin, great for boiling and mashing.
• Red Pontiac – Has deep red skin and white flesh, excellent for roasting and boiling.
• Norland – Typically has red skin with white flesh, good for early harvest.
• Irish Cobbler – An early variety, known for its distinct flavor, good for boiling and baking.

These varieties are generally preferred for smaller gardens or where uniform harvest is desired, as they allow for a single, complete harvest.

• Harvest Time: Determinate potatoes, often called “early” potatoes, produce all their tubers at once. This means that they have a single, concentrated harvest period.
• Growth Habit: They generally have a more compact growth habit, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces or for growing in containers.  These varieties are typically harvested earlier in the season.

Indeterminate Potatoes:

Indeterminate potatoes, also known as “late” potatoes, grow and produce tubers continuously throughout the growing season. Here are some popular indeterminate potato varieties:

• Russet Burbank – A classic variety known for its large, starchy tubers perfect for baking and frying.
• Kennebec – Versatile for cooking and resistant to some diseases; great for frying and mashing.
• Butte – Known for its russeted skin and excellent storage qualities.
• Desiree – Features red skin and yellow flesh, good for boiling and making potato salads.
• Pontiac – Deep red skin with white flesh, good for most cooking methods.

These varieties are suitable for longer growing seasons as they can be harvested at different times depending on the size and maturity of the potatoes desired.

• Harvest Time: Indeterminate potatoes, or “late” potatoes, produce tubers continuously throughout the growing season. This allows for staggered harvesting, where you can selectively harvest mature tubers while allowing smaller ones to continue growing.
• Growth Habit: They tend to have a more sprawling growth pattern and can benefit from being “hilled” (piling soil around the stem as they grow) to encourage more tuber production along the buried stem.  These are often harvested later in the season and are suitable for various culinary uses.

A Complete List of Determinate and Indeterminate Varieties of Potatoes

Potato Variety	Type (Determinate/Indeterminate)	Time to Harvest
Adirondack Blue	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Adirondack Red	Indeterminate	90-110 days
All Blue	Indeterminate	90-110 days
All Red	Determinate	70-90 days
Alturas	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Bintje	Indeterminate	100-120 days
Burbank Russet	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Butte	Indeterminate	120-135 days
Cal White	Determinate	90-110 days
Caribe	Determinate	70-90 days
Carola	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Chieftain	Determinate	80-100 days
Desiree	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Elba	Determinate	80-100 days
Fingerling (various)	Indeterminate	90-110 days
French Fingerling	Indeterminate	90-110 days
German Butterball	Indeterminate	110-135 days
Goldrush	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Huckleberry Gold	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Katahdin	Determinate	80-100 days
Kennebec	Indeterminate	80-100 days
Kerr’s Pink	Determinate	80-100 days
King Edward	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Kipfler	Indeterminate	90-110 days
La Ratte	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Lady Christl	Determinate	70-90 days
Marcy	Determinate	70-90 days
Maris Piper	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Nicola	Determinate	90-110 days
Norland Red	Determinate	70-90 days
Onaway	Determinate	70-90 days
Orla	Determinate	70-90 days
Pontiac	Indeterminate	80-100 days
Purple Majesty	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Ranger Russet	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Red Bliss	Determinate	70-90 days
Red Gold	Determinate	70-90 days
Red Pontiac	Determinate	70-90 days
Russet Burbank	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Shepody	Indeterminate	80-100 days
Sierra Gold	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Superior	Determinate	70-90 days
Swedish Peanut	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Upstate Abundance	Determinate	70-90 days
Vivaldi	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Yukon Gem	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Yukon Gold	Determinate	70-90 days
Yukon Verna	Determinate	70-90 days
Yukon Viking	Indeterminate	90-110 days
Zebra Chip	Indeterminate	90-110 days

 

From Kennebec to Burbank Russet, a look at 10 types of potatoes, their characteristics and how they fit into your planting strategy for your homestead.

The Ultimate Guide to Selecting and Growing Potato Varieties

Potatoes are more than just a staple food; they are a culinary delight that varies significantly in flavor, texture, and color. This guide to ten popular potato varieties will  help you choose the right type for your cooking needs but also provide essential tips for growing them in your garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to expand your crop diversity or a home chef eager to explore different flavors, this article offers valuable insights into each variety’s characteristics, culinary uses, and optimal growing conditions. Explore the versatile Kennebec, the creamy Yukon Gold, and the striking Purple Peruvian, among others, and learn how to nurture and harvest these beloved tubers to perfection.

1. Kennebec: A Versatile Favorite

Description and Best Use

Kennebec potatoes are celebrated for their smooth skin and creamy texture, making them versatile for frying, baking, and mashing.

Origin & Trivia

Originating from Maine, named after the Kennebec River, this variety was introduced in the 1940s and is loved for its adaptability to various climates and soil types.

Kennebec Potato Growing Tips

Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly, especially during tuber formation, to ensure optimal growth.

Harvesting and Storage

Kennebec potatoes mature in about 80-100 days and store excellently through winter if kept in cool, dry conditions.

Planting and Growing Zones

Ideal for USDA zones 3-9, plant these in early spring once the frost has passed.

2. Yukon Gold: The Golden Standard

Description and Best Use

With its fine-grained, buttery yellow flesh, Yukon Gold is great for boiling, baking, and making creamy mashed potatoes.

Origin & Trivia

Developed in Canada in the 1960s, these potatoes are named for their golden color and the Yukon River.

Yukon Gold Potato Growing Tips

These prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist with regular watering.

Harvesting and Storage

They are ready for harvest in about 90-100 days and have a moderate storage life.

Planting and Growing Zones

Thrives in zones 1-9, plant in early spring for a full growing season.

3. Russian Banana Fingerling: Perfect for Gourmet Dishes

Description and Best Use

Known for its waxy, yellow flesh, this banana-shaped potato is excellent for boiling and roasting.

Origin & Trivia

This variety comes from the Baltic region of Northeast Europe and is named for its elongated shape.

Banana Russian Fingerling Growing Tips

It thrives in sandy loam soils and requires consistent moisture without overwatering.

Harvesting and Storage

Ready to harvest in about 90 days, it stores well under proper conditions.

Planting and Growing Zones

Plant these after the last frost in zones 3-8.

4. Magic Molly: Visually Stunning

Description and Best Use

Magic Molly potatoes retain their deep purple color when cooked, making them ideal for vibrant dishes.

Origin & Trivia

Originated in Alaska and named after the breeder’s daughter, Molly.

Magic Molly Potato Growing Tips

Requires fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Harvesting and Storage

Takes about 100 days to mature, with fair storage durability.

Planting and Growing Zones

Plant in spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F, suitable for zones 3-9.

5. German Butterball: A Flavorful Heirloom

Description and Best Use

This potato has rich, golden, buttery flesh, making it superb for roasting and mashing.

Origin & Trivia

An old-world variety likely from Germany, prized for its flavor.

Growing Tips

Plant in deep, loose soil and hill as plants grow to ensure healthy tubers.

Harvesting and Storage

Matures in 90-120 days, known for its excellent storage life.

Planting and Growing Zones

Ideal for early spring planting in zones 3-9.

6. Red Pontiac: The Versatile Choice

Description and Best Use

Red Pontiacs have red skin and waxy white flesh, perfect for boiling and baking.

Origin & Trivia

Developed in Florida in the 1940s and named after the Pontiac tribe.

Growing Tips

Best grown in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering.

Harvesting and Storage

Ready in about 80-90 days, suitable for medium-term storage.

Planting and Growing Zones

Plant in spring to maximize growth, suitable for zones 3-10.

7. Purple Peruvian: The Nutty Heirloom

Description and Best Use

With deep purple skin and flesh, it adds a unique twist to traditional dishes.

Origin & Trivia

Direct descendant of Andean potatoes cultivated by the Incas.

Growing Tips

Prefers cooler climates and well-drained, fertile soil.

Harvesting and Storage

Usually matures in 70-90 days, best used soon after harvest.

Planting and Growing Zones

Best in zones 3-8, plant after frost risk has passed.

8. Elba: The Disease-Resistant Stalwart

Description and Best Use

Known for its disease resistance and excellent storage qualities, great for boiling and mashing.

Origin & Trivia

Named after Elba, New York, where it was developed.

Growing Tips

Requires rich, well-drained soil and frequent watering during dry spells.

Harvesting and Storage

Matures in about 80-100 days, one of the best for long-term storage.

Planting and Growing Zones

Plant early in spring as soon as the soil is workable, suitable for zones 3-9.

9. Lehigh: The High-Yield Variety

Description and Best Use

Offers high yields and storability, with light yellow flesh suitable for mashing and general cooking.

Origin & Trivia

Developed at Penn State University, named after Lehigh County in Pennsylvania.

Growing Tips

Requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Harvesting and Storage

Ready in about 90 days, maintains quality for several months.

Planting and Growing Zones

Plant in early spring, zones 3-9.

10. Burbank Russet: The Fast Food Favorite

Description and Best Use

A classic choice for fluffy mashed potatoes and French fries due to its fluffy texture.

Origin & Trivia

Developed by Luther Burbank in the early 20th century, it’s a staple in the fast-food industry.

Growing Tips

Needs loose, well-aerated soil and regular feeding to prevent waterlogging.

Harvesting and Storage

About 90-100 days to harvest with excellent long-term storage capabilities.

Planting and Growing Zones

Best planted in early spring, thrives in zones 4-9.