Magic Molly

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Velvety, inky-purple skin gives way to a vivid, jewel-toned interior—Magic Molly delivers a striking color that feels almost luminous in the garden.

The flesh is creamy and smooth with a fine-grained bite, making it especially captivating when roasted for crisp edges and rich, purple-tinged tenderness. Grow this 90-day standout for show-stopping harvests and bold, gallery-worthy color in every bowl.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Clumping

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	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Magic Molly’s interior runs creamy and fine, so it wants heat that browns the outside without drying the center. Roast it hot for crisp purple-tinged edges, then hit it with acid and fat—lemon and butter/sour cream—so the color and mellow earthiness really pop.

Best Uses

high-heat roast for crisp edges and jewel-toned tenderness
butter-poached/steam-cooked then smashed for ridged, sauce-catching texture
mashing for ultra-smooth, marble-violet mash
sheet-pan wedges where the exterior browns fast and the center stays plush

Flavor Profile

creamy, fine-grained bite mild, earthy potato savor with a faintly nutty edge inky-purple skin that stays showy and crisp when roasted silky interior that mashes smooth instead of gummy

Kitchen Pairings

black pepper lemon butter sour cream fresh dill smoked salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common disease problem for Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) like “Magic Molly,” and how can I prevent it?

Potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a frequent, fast-moving issue on Solanum tuberosum, especially during cool, humid weather. Start with disease-free seed potatoes, plant in full sun with good spacing for airflow, and remove any yellowing or spotted foliage early. If blight appears, treat promptly with a labeled late-blight fungicide and keep leaves dry by watering at the soil line rather than overhead.

How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during the main growing phase?

During active tuber bulking (roughly mid-season through about 2–3 weeks before harvest), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid poor aeration and rot. Keep consistent moisture; irregular drying and re-wetting can reduce tuber size and quality.

How do I tell when “Magic Molly” potatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 90 days from planting, when the plants’ foliage naturally yellows and dies back. Before digging, wait until the skins have set—after the tops die, leave potatoes in the ground for about 7–10 additional days so skins toughen for storage. Dig carefully and harvest on a dry day to reduce skin damage and prevent disease spread.