Red Pontiac

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Velvety-skinned and richly colored, Red Pontiac brings a deep rose-red coat that feels almost satin in the garden.

Inside, the flesh is creamy and smooth, with a dependable, medium-firm texture that holds its shape beautifully for hearty favorites—roasting to a crisp edge, pan-browning for golden surfaces, and mashing for a silky finish. Grow it for reliable harvests around 95 days and enjoy a red potato that’s as rewarding to lift from the soil as it is to serve from the pantry.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 DaysHabit: Upright

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	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Pontiac is the kind of potato that browns without turning grainy—its medium-firm interior stays creamy while the edges go crisp. It mashes into a smooth, spoonable texture, but it’s equally at home getting a hot, caramelized crust.

Best Uses

roasting on high heat for crisp edges and tender centers
pan-browning and smashing for golden, lacy surfaces
silky mashing where the texture stays smooth and cohesive
sheet-pan potato wedges with a peppery, salty crust

Flavor Profile

creamy, medium-firm flesh earthy, lightly sweet potato starch velvety skin with a clean, rich aftertaste holds shape under heat for crisp edges

Kitchen Pairings

fresh thyme smoked paprika butter Greek yogurt black pepper chives

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common potato problem for Solanum tuberosum and how do I manage it in home gardens?

A frequent issue is late blight (typically shows as dark, water-soaked leaf spots that spread quickly and may follow with fuzzy growth on humid nights). Remove and destroy infected foliage immediately, then start preventive protection early using a labeled fungicide for potato/lates blight and keep plants spaced for airflow. Avoid overhead watering and water at the soil line to reduce leaf wetness.

How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During active tuber bulking (roughly mid-season through near maturity), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—not soggy. Water about once or twice per week depending on heat, aiming to moisten the soil 4–6 in (10–15 cm); sandy soils may need more frequent watering, while clay holds moisture longer. If the top inch dries out, it’s time to water; if water pools or the soil smells sour, cut back.

How can I tell when to harvest Red Pontiac (Solanum tuberosum)?

Harvest at about 95 days when plants start yellowing and dying back, but avoid waiting until foliage is completely gone in wet weather. For new potatoes, you can gently dig when plants are flowering and the tubers are finger-sized; for full-size, wait for the senescence phase. Before you store them, cure harvested tubers in a cool, dark, ventilated area for about 1–2 weeks so skins toughen and minor cuts dry.