Viking Purple

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Viking Purple delivers a dramatic, velvety purple skin that hints at the rich color within—earthy and deeply satisfying with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

The flesh is tender and creamy when cooked, with a smooth, fine-grained texture that holds its character beautifully for hearty meals. Grow Viking Purple for standout color in the garden and a striking presence on the plate, whether roasted to caramel-brown edges or mashed into silky purple comfort.

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)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Viking Purple cooks up tender and creamy with a smooth, fine-grained bite—its flavor lands earthy and nutty with a whisper of sweetness. It also keeps that striking color through roasting or mashing, so it’s a potato you actually want to serve on purpose, not hide.

Best Uses

roast for caramel-brown edges and creamy centers
mash for a smooth, purple “comfort” texture
boil-and-dress warm potato salad with bold vinaigrette
pan-sear or griddle until crisp outside, tender inside

Flavor Profile

nutty, lightly sweet earthiness velvety, fine-grained creamy flesh potato-meaty body that turns silky when cooked holds color well under heat

Kitchen Pairings

butter sour cream chives smoked paprika black pepper Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What common pest or disease affects Solanum tuberosum (potato) most, and how do I treat it?

Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a frequent, fast-moving issue on potatoes, especially after cool, wet weather. Remove and discard any plants with brown, water-soaked leaf spots or rapidly collapsing foliage, then prevent spread by applying a labeled late-blight protectant and keeping plants evenly spaced for airflow. If you spot leaf damage early, reapply according to the product label, since new growth can quickly become infected.

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

After plants emerge and start building vines, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, typically about 1–1.5 inches of water per week depending on your weather. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry, because uneven moisture can lead to misshapen tubers. Avoid soaking the foliage late in the day—use soil-level watering to reduce disease pressure.

How do I know when Solanum tuberosum (potato) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the plants’ foliage yellows and dies back naturally and the tuber skins feel firm and “set” (about 95 days from planting for this variety’s maturity window). For new potatoes you can dig earlier, but for best skin set wait until the tops fully die down. Gently dig one hill first to check size and skin firmness before harvesting the rest.