Russian Banana

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Creamy and luminous, Russian Banana fingerlings unfurl from the soil in buttery, oblong “bananas” with a smooth, thin skin and a tender, fine-grained bite.

Their flavor is rich yet delicate—ideal for showcasing in simple, high-heat preparations where their shape stays elegant and their interiors turn velvety. Grow them for roasting trays, pan-searing, and standout side dishes, or for mashing into silky sauces with a gentle, potato-sweet depth.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Spreading

Botanical illustration of Russian Banana

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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
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)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Russian Banana fingerlings are built for high heat: the thin skin and fine grain let them go creamy without turning fluffy-mushy, so every bite stays elegant and glossy. Roast or sear them hard for caramelized edges and a velvety center that loves bright fat—finish with lemon and butter rather than heavy sauces.

Best Uses

sheet-pan roast until the edges bronze and the centers go luxuriously soft
pan-sear/roast for a crisp exterior with a tender, creamy core
mash into a smooth, gently sweet puree for spoonable sides
roast as glossy “bananas” in hot fat (duck fat, butter, or olive oil) where the shape matters

Flavor Profile

buttery, mild richness fine-grained, velvety interior thin-skinned, creamy bite

Kitchen Pairings

garlic rosemary lemon butter parmesan olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Solanum tuberosum (potato) and how do I control it at home?

Watch for late blight (dark, water-soaked leaf spots that spread quickly, often with a grayish mold on humid mornings). Remove and destroy infected foliage right away, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good airflow by spacing plants well. If the problem keeps reappearing, apply a labeled late-blight fungicide according to the label’s schedule for potatoes (start at first symptoms).

How often should I water Russian Banana potatoes during the main growing phase?

During tuber bulking (roughly mid-season until about 1–2 weeks before harvest), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy: water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out. Aim for deep watering so moisture reaches the hilling ridges, then let excess drain so leaves aren’t sitting in wet soil. Uneven watering can lead to misshapen tubers, so maintain consistency rather than frequent light sprinkles.

How can I tell when Russian Banana (Solanum tuberosum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 80 days, but confirm by checking plant tops: when the foliage yellows and dies back and skins on test tubers feel firm and don’t rub off easily, they’re ready. Dig one tuber first to confirm skin set, then harvest the rest on a dry day so skins cure better. If frost is expected, harvest promptly after dieback begins to prevent tubers from being damaged.