Potatoes generally take between 90 to 120 days to grow from planting to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Here is a breakdown by type and timing:
- First early potatoes (also called “new potatoes”) take about 9 to 13 weeks (approximately 60 to 90 days) to mature. They can be harvested as early as mid-June and are smaller, tender tubers that don’t store well but are prized for fresh eating
- Second early potatoes take a few weeks longer than first earlies, usually 14 to 16 weeks (around 90 to 110 days), and are harvested from July to early August. They also can be eaten as new potatoes or cooked in various ways
- Maincrop potatoes take the longest, typically 90 to 135 days to mature, with harvesting from late August through October. These potatoes store well and are used for a variety of cooking purposes
The exact time depends on the potato variety, soil temperature, climate, and planting date. For example, Yukon Gold potatoes can mature in as few as 75 days, while russets may take up to 135 days
. Potatoes need warm soil (above 7°C) and frost-free conditions for successful growth
. In summary, expect about 3 to 4 months for most potatoes to grow to maturity, with early varieties ready in about 2 to 3 months and maincrop varieties requiring up to 4 to 5 months
