When to Harvest Potatoes: a simple guide for home gardeners

Potatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow at home. Whether you’ve planted them in your backyard garden, or even in a large container, knowing when to harvest potatoes is the secret to getting the best tubers. Timing your harvest correctly ensures your potatoes are firm, nutrient-rich, and ready to enjoy in your favorite recipes.

How long do potatoes take to grow?

Most potato varieties take between 70 and 120 days to mature, depending on the type and local climate. In Los Angeles and Southern California, for example, potatoes can be planted as early as February or March for a late spring harvest, or again in September for a winter crop.

But, if you live in New York City, potatoes generally take 90 to 120 days to grow from planting to harvest. Here in the East Coast, the planting season goes from late April to early May, once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. The harvest season starts in late July to early September, and because NYC has a cooler spring and early frost risk in fall, there’s typically one main growing season per year. Early varieties (like Yukon Gold or Red Norland) can be harvested around 70–90 days, while main-season potatoes take closer to 120 days.

In San Francisco, potatoes can take about 70 to 110 days to grow similar to Los Angeles but with cooler temperatures and coastal humidity. Here in San Francisco, the planting season goes from February to March for a summer harvest, or September to October for a winter harvest. While the harvest season is between May–July or December–February, depending on when you plant.

Signs your potatoes are ready to harvest

It can be considered as obvious advice but the best way to know when to harvest is by watching your plants. Here are the main indicators:

• Early Potatoes (New Potatoes): About two to three weeks after flowering, you can dig around the base of the plant and collect small, tender potatoes. These have thin skins and a delicate flavor, perfect for salads or roasting.

  
  

• Main Crop Potatoes: For larger, storage-ready potatoes, wait until the foliage turns yellow and begins to die back. This is a natural signal that the tubers have finished growing.

Once the leaves have fully withered, stop watering and allow the potatoes to sit in the soil for another one to two weeks. This helps the skins toughen, making them last longer after harvest.

How to harvest potatoes without damaging them

To harvest, use a garden fork or your hands to lift the soil around each plant. Start from the edges and work your way inward to avoid piercing the potatoes. Brush off excess soil, but don’t wash them until you’re ready to cook or store them.

How to store your harvest

After harvesting, let your potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for about one week. Ideal storage conditions are cool (around 45–55°F) and dark, such as a pantry or cellar. Avoid sunlight, as it can cause the potatoes to turn green and develop a bitter taste.

Ready for your next recipe

Once cured, your homegrown potatoes are ready for the kitchen! Roast them with olive oil and rosemary, mash them with butter, or slice them for crispy pan-fried potatoes.