Damon Mcknight
Growing potatoes in Australia is a great way to have a never-ending supply of fresh, versatile vegetables. Potatoes are susceptible to frost and extreme heat, so the best time to plant them depends on the region and climate. In southern regions, such as Victoria and Tasmania, potatoes are typically planted in early spring, while in more tropical regions, such as Queensland, they are planted in late autumn to early winter. Potatoes need a cool climate, rich soil, full sun, and occasional feeding with a complete fertiliser to ensure they receive essential nutrients for growth and tuber development. They can be grown in large containers, raised garden beds, or custom-designed potato patches, and they should be watered regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely. With the right care, Australians can enjoy the many benefits of growing their own potatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant potatoes | In Australia, potatoes are usually planted in late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and there is little risk of frost. |
| Climate | Potatoes need a cool climate to thrive. |
| Potato varieties in Australia | Dutch Cream, Nicola, Russet Burbank, Desiree, Pontiac, Sebago, Coliban, Kipfler, Royal Red-skinned, Purple Hawaiian |
| Potato types | Waxy, Starchy |
| Soil | Rich soil, well-rotted cow poo, well-drained, soil pH of 5.5-6 |
| Container | Large containers, such as 85L plastic pots with lots of holes |
| Seed potatoes | Virus-free spud tubers which have formed "eyes" |
| Potato seeds | Small, undeveloped potato eyes found on a whole potato |
| Fertiliser | Complete fertiliser, blood and bone |
| Watering | Consistent watering, water deeply, soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged |
| Sunlight | Full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily |
| Pests | Aphids, whiteflies, cutworms, Colorado potato beetles |
| Harvest time | Generally 3-5 months, when the leaves start turning yellow |
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What You'll Learn
Potato types and varieties
There are three main types of potatoes grown in Australia: waxy, starchy, and sweet potatoes. Waxy potatoes, such as Kipflers, have a lower starch content and are good for salads and steaming. Starchy potatoes, like Russet Burbanks, have a higher starch content and are good for baking, mashing, and frying. Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient and can be used in various dishes, but they belong to a different family than potatoes. They are related to plants like morning glory and water spinach.
When choosing which potato variety to grow, consider your local climate. Cool-climate varieties like Royal Red-skinned waxy potatoes are best suited for growing in Tasmania’s cooler climate. Tropical climate varieties like Desiree red-skinned potatoes are better suited for warmer climates like Queensland. Dutch Cream potatoes, one of the oldest varieties in Australia, can be grown in a range of climates and are known for their creamy yellow flesh and nutty flavour. Nicola potatoes, a more recent introduction, have a similar nutty flavour and waxy texture, making them ideal for boiling or steaming.
Some other common potato varieties grown in Australia include Pontiac potatoes, with their distinctive red skin and white flesh; Sebago potatoes, which are widely cultivated for their all-purpose use; Coliban potatoes, characterised by their pale-brown skin and creamy-white flesh; and Kipfler potatoes, with their elongated, finger-like shape and yellow skin and flesh.
To ensure a healthy crop, it is important to be aware of common pests and diseases that affect potatoes in Australia. These include aphids, cutworms, and Colorado potato beetles. Companion planting with garlic or marigolds can help deter pests and improve soil health.
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Soil preparation
Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil by digging a garden bed to spade depth and mixing in organic matter such as compost, well-rotted cow manure, and straw. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with a pH of around 5.5 to 6, to ensure scab-free growth. It is also important to ensure the soil is well-drained, as potatoes are susceptible to rot if waterlogged. A no-dig system is often recommended for potatoes to achieve this. When preparing the soil, it is also a good idea to add mulch, blood and bone, and blend them well into the soil. The soil should have a crumbly texture, so be sure to rake any lumps to the side of the garden bed.
If planting in a container, a large pot with a capacity of around 85 litres is suitable for potatoes. Fill the pot with a premium mix of potting soil and compost, leaving enough space for the potatoes. Potato seeds or "seed potatoes" (tubers or shoots) can be placed on top, with about 12 inches (30 cm) between them. Cover with a layer of the potting mix and compost mixture, leaving the sprouts to grow through in about 3-4 weeks. For container gardening, it is important to use a high-quality potting mix and provide adequate drainage holes in the pot.
To improve the flavour of your potatoes and deter pests, consider planting garlic nearby. Marigolds are also beneficial companion plants, as they release a compound called pyrethrin, which is harmful to common garden pests. With the right soil preparation and care, you can successfully grow potatoes in Australia.
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Planting and growing
Potatoes are best planted in Australia during the cooler months, from March to August in warm areas, September to February in temperate areas, and from September to February in cool to cold areas. In southern regions, such as Victoria and Tasmania, potatoes are typically planted in early spring, around September to October. In more tropical regions, such as Queensland and northern parts of Western Australia, potatoes can be planted in late autumn to early winter, around April to May.
Before planting, prepare your garden bed by digging it to spade depth and mixing in mulch, blood and bone, and compost. The soil should be crumbly and well-drained, with a pH of about 5.5–6. Potatoes need full sun, so choose a sunny spot for your garden bed.
To plant potatoes, start with "seed" potatoes, which are virus-free spud tubers that have formed "eyes". Certified seed potatoes are best to avoid diseases. Expose the seed potatoes to light for about a week before planting to toughen them up and encourage the eyes to shoot.
Place the seed potatoes in a furrow, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Cover them with soil but do not firm the soil down. As the plants grow, fill in the soil around them to support the plants and protect the tubers from caterpillars. Water the plants regularly, being careful not to waterlog them as potatoes can rot.
When the potato plants reach about 15-20 centimetres in height, apply a high compost-rich soil that drains well. You can also add a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature. Keep an eye out for common potato pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, and remove them by hand or with a strong stream of water.
Harvest time depends on the cultivar but is generally 3-5 months. When the leaves start turning yellow and dropping off, you can carefully dig out the potatoes with a fork. Cut off the foliage with shears before digging to make it easier to lift the potatoes. Spread the potatoes out to dry for a couple of hours, but not in direct sunlight. Store your potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent them from greening.
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Pest control
Choose the Right Soil and Fertiliser
Use well-drained, rich soil that is loose and friable, allowing the potatoes to expand freely. Avoid planting potatoes in soil where chillies, capsicums, tomatoes, or eggplants have been grown in recent years. Ensure your soil pH is balanced (around 5.5 to 6) to prevent scab and avoid alkaline soil to prevent potato scab. Add organic matter to the soil to help retain moisture and improve soil health. Use certified disease-free seed potatoes to reduce the risk of diseases such as blight, which can rot the entire tuber.
Crop Rotation and Companion Planting
Practice good crop rotation to reduce the incidence of nematodes and other pests like aphids and whiteflies. Rotate crops and use reputable garden soil and fertilisers. Companion planting can also help. Pair potatoes with garlic, which helps ward off pests, or with marigolds, which attract bees for pollination and repel potato beetles.
Pest Removal and Prevention
Keep an eye out for common potato pests such as caterpillars, beetles, weevils, snails, slugs, aphids, and whiteflies. If you spot caterpillars or their damage/droppings, spray plants with a caterpillar killer every 5-7 days. For weevils and beetles, simply pick them off the plant and dispose of them. Control sap-sucking insect pests like aphids and whiteflies by hand-picking or using a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or natural insecticides like neem oil spray to treat these pests. Remove heavily infested leaves or stems from potato plants and dispose of them away from your garden to prevent the spread of pests to healthy plants.
Timing and Environment
Time your planting to avoid the hottest months, as potatoes prefer cooler temperatures. Potatoes need 60-90 days of frost-free conditions, so avoid planting in winter if your area experiences frost. Harvest your potatoes when the leaves begin to turn yellow, usually between 90-120 days from planting. Avoid over-watering, as this can attract pests.
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Harvesting
When the stalks and foliage have died off, the remaining potatoes can be carefully dug out with a fork. If the skin of the potatoes does not rub off with your thumb, they are ready to store. To make them easy to lift, cut off the foliage with shears, then dig with a fork well clear of the plant so as not to spike the potatoes. After the potatoes have been lifted, spread them out to dry for a couple of hours, but not in direct sunlight. When storing your potatoes, keep them in a cool, dark place to prevent them from greening.
If you're growing sweet potatoes, you'll need to wait four to six months to harvest, depending on the cultivar. You'll know they're ready when the leaves start turning yellow and dropping off.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant potatoes in Australia is during the cooler months, from March to August in warm areas, September to February in temperate areas, and from September to February in cool to cold areas. In southern regions of Australia, such as Victoria and Tasmania, potatoes are typically planted in early spring, around September to October. In tropical and subtropical regions, such as Queensland and northern parts of Western Australia, potatoes can be planted in late autumn to early winter, around April to May.
Potatoes can be grown in large containers, such as 85L plastic pots with holes, or in a garden bed. If growing in a pot, fill it with premium potting mix and compost, and plant 2-3 slips or seedlings. If growing in a garden bed, mix compost with aged cow manure and straw to a depth of 15-20 cm, and lay out your seed potatoes, leaving about 25 cm between each. Cover the seed potatoes with about 15 cm of the same mix.
Potato plants produce white flowers when they are fully grown, but the tubers may not be ready for harvest at this stage. When the leaves start turning yellow and dropping off, it's a sign that the potatoes are ready. You can carefully dig out the potatoes with a fork and cut off the foliage with shears. To store your potatoes, spread them out to dry for a couple of hours, but not in direct sunlight, and keep them in a cool, dark place.
