Yukon Gem

Family: Solanaceae Root Vegetable

Buttery-gold Yukon Gem tubers emerge with a luminous, sunlit glow—smooth-skinned and wonderfully even in shape.

Their flesh is tender and creamy-textured, delivering a rich, mellow flavor that shines when roasted to a caramelized edge, mashed into silky comfort, or simmered into hearty sauces and soups. A dependable 90-day choice for gardeners who want dependable harvest quality with a classic Yukon Gold market character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Spreading

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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
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

Yukon Gem is built for comfort: it cooks to a creamy, evenly tender bite without the graininess you sometimes get from starchier spuds. Roast or mash it and it delivers that classic buttery, mellow flavor—especially when you let the surface actually brown.

Best Uses

roast to crisp, caramelized edges and a creamy center
mash into a silk-smooth, low-grit puree
simmer into velvety soups and chowders without turning gluey
grate and pan-sear for golden rösti that stays tender inside

Flavor Profile

buttery, mellow taste tender, creamy flesh gentle sweetness that caramelizes at the edges

Kitchen Pairings

butter parmesan chicken stock fresh thyme sour cream

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Solanum tuberosum (potato) in home gardens, and how can I control it?

Late blight (water-soaked leaf spots that quickly spread with a grayish growth underside) is one of the most damaging diseases for Solanum tuberosum, especially in cool, humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves and stems, then protect remaining growth by spraying a labeled fungicide suitable for potatoes per the label schedule. Improve airflow by spacing plants properly and avoid wetting foliage when irrigating.

How often should I water Yukon Gem potatoes during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I keep?

During bulking (once plants are established and flowering begins), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, and stop short of soaking beds because soggy soil can reduce tuber quality and increase disease pressure. Mulch lightly to steady moisture, especially after hill-soil is added.

How can I tell when Yukon Gem (Solanum tuberosum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the plants reach maturity—about 90 days—with foliage turning yellow/brown and dying back naturally. You can gently dig around the edges of the plant to check tuber size; Yukon Gem is typically ready when tubers hold firm skin that doesn’t rub off easily. For the best storage skins, wait about 7–10 days after the plants fully die back before lifting the crop.