Pontiac

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Velvety-skinned and richly colored, Pontiac delivers an inviting blush of red over smooth, firm flesh—an elegant tuber that feels substantial in the hand.

Expect a creamy, golden interior with a dependable, all-purpose bite that shines for roasting and pan-frying, and also performs beautifully for mashing and hearty stews. From planting to harvest, Pontiac’s steady rhythm makes it a satisfying choice for gardeners who want dependable performance and standout color in the cellar.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 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 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Pontiac’s firm flesh cooks up with a velvety, creamy interior while still giving you crisp, brown edges—great for heat where other reds can go mealy. It’s built for dependable, all-purpose comfort: roast it for crunch-to-fluff contrast or mash it silky with dairy and herbs.

Best Uses

roasting to get crisp edges and a fluffy center
pan-frying into golden, shatter-crisp rounds
mashing for a smooth, rich, butter-ready texture
hearty stews where the potato holds shape without turning gluey

Flavor Profile

creamy, golden interior velvety-tender bite when cooked balanced, earthy potato flavor with light sweetness

Kitchen Pairings

butter fresh thyme parmesan sour cream chicken stock black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) and how do I manage it?

Early blight (Alternaria) and late blight are the most frequent potato diseases, especially when days are warm and nights are damp. Inspect weekly for brown, concentric leaf spots (early blight) or fast-spreading dark, water-soaked lesions (late blight), and remove affected tops before the disease spreads through the bed. Keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line, improve spacing/airflow, and rotate out of Solanaceae beds for at least 2–3 years; if late blight is present locally, use labeled preventative fungicide early according to label directions.

How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during its main tuber-building phase?

From about weeks 4–10 (when plants are actively growing and tubers are forming), water to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In typical home gardens, that usually means about 1–2 inches of water per week, split into 1–2 watering sessions; adjust so the top 2–4 inches of soil feel evenly moist, not wet. Avoid letting it dry out completely—uneven moisture can lead to misshapen or cracked tubers.

How can I tell when my Pontiac potatoes are ready to harvest (Solanum tuberosum, ~95 days)?

Check plant maturity by counting from planting (Pontiac typically fits the ~95-day window) and by observing plant dieback—vines should start yellowing and dying back. For a “new potato” harvest, dig lightly earlier, but for full-size tubers wait until most foliage has naturally died back and the skins are firm enough to resist rubbing off gently. Dig carefully with a fork to avoid cuts, then cure in a cool, airy place for 1–2 weeks before storage.