Bintje

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Velvety-smooth, warm ivory flesh with a gentle, buttery sweetness defines Bintje—an heirloom favorite prized for its dependable, uniform tubers and clean, elegant flavor.

When cooked, it turns tender and creamy with a fine, silky texture that holds its shape beautifully for classic preparations. Grow Bintje for a steady harvest of pale-skinned potatoes that deliver comforting richness from the garden to the plate.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Spreading

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bintje’s fine, silky texture is made for comfort cooking: mash it hot with butter and a splash of cream and it lands smooth, not starchy-grainy. It’s also a strong choice for gratins and potato salad because it turns tender while keeping its shape.

Best Uses

classic mashed potatoes (smooth, spoonable, low-grit finish)
gratin that stays luscious inside while staying sliceable
potato salad where the pieces hold up under light dressing
roasted wedges that crisp on the edges but stay creamy in the center

Flavor Profile

velvety, warm ivory flesh gentle buttery sweetness tender, creamy interior with a silky texture holds shape without turning grainy

Kitchen Pairings

butter cream or crème fraîche garlic chives gruyère smoked bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

Bintje potatoes: how do I manage early blight (Alternaria) if I see leaf spots?

Early blight shows up as small dark brown spots on older leaves that expand into concentric rings, often with yellowing around them. Remove and discard infected leaves promptly and avoid wetting foliage when watering; use drip irrigation if possible. If the problem is spreading, apply a labeled potato fungicide according to the label and repeat on the recommended interval, especially during humid weather.

How often should I water Bintje potatoes during the main growing phase to prevent tuber problems?

During active bulking (roughly weeks 6–12 after emergence), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Check by digging 4–6 inches down: if it’s dry at that depth, water deeply; if it stays wet or squishes when squeezed, hold off to avoid disease and misshapen tubers. Stop heavy watering about 10–14 days before harvest to help skins set.

When are Bintje potatoes ready to harvest, and how can I tell?

Bintje is typically ready around 90 days, but harvest timing is best judged by the plants: when foliage yellows and dies back and the stems can be easily snapped, you’re ready. Gently dig one plant to confirm tuber size and check that skins are firm enough that they won’t rub off easily. If you need a “new potato” harvest, dig earlier when tubers are golf-ball sized, but for full storage quality wait for the full skin set at dieback.