Ranger Russet

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Earthy and richly aromatic, Ranger Russet delivers a deep russet skin with a velvety, golden interior that feels almost satin-smooth in the hand.

Built for steady, dependable harvest at about 110 days, these tubers offer a hearty texture that shines when roasted to a crisp, caramel-brown finish, and they also excel for mashing into silky, comforting bowls or for sturdy fries with a satisfying bite. A favorite for gardeners who love reliable performance and the satisfying reward of a true russet.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 110 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 11th
Harvest Begins	Jul 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
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)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ranger Russet has that true russet starchy structure that roasts into a caramel-brown shell while keeping the inside plush and dry—no gummy drag. Choose it when you want crisp edges and a mash that turns silky with heat and fat, not watery steam.

Best Uses

oven-roasted wedges that go crisp at the edges and tender at the center
classic fluffy mash—milk-forward for a satiny finish
hot, thick-cut fries with a crunchy exterior and creamy interior
baked potatoes that yield a steaming, meal-filling center

Flavor Profile

earthy, richly aromatic tuber flavor velvety, satin-smooth interior starchy, crisp-browning roast surface sweet, caramel-leaning notes when heated through

Kitchen Pairings

butter sour cream garlic black pepper rosemary chive

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) like Ranger Russet, and how do I control it?

Potatoes commonly suffer from late blight (Phytophthora infestans), especially in cool, wet weather. Start with resistant seed tubers, space plants for airflow, and water at the soil line (not the foliage); remove and destroy any blighted leaves immediately to slow spread. If blight risk is high in your area, use a registered protectant/fungicide labeled for potatoes and follow label timing, typically beginning when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and repeating as directed.

How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during its main growing phase (from emergence through tuber bulking)?

During active growth and tuber bulking, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water per week total (adjust for rain and heat). Check by digging 2–3 inches down: it should feel like a wrung-out sponge; if it’s dry at that depth, water deeply, and if it stays soggy, reduce watering and improve drainage.

How can I tell when Ranger Russet potatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 110 days (varies with conditions) when the plants start to yellow and vines die back, and the skins are set—scrape one tuber gently with your thumb; if the skin won’t rub off easily, they’re ready. For best flavor and storage, harvest after the tops have fully died back, and handle gently to avoid skin damage.