Chieftain

Potato

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 95d to harvest Clumping

Velvety-skinned and richly colored, Chieftain red potatoes offer a deep, rosy exterior that hints at their smooth, creamy interio…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Apr 6th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Solanum tuberosum (potato) and how can I control them in a home garden?

Watch for late blight and early blight, which show up as leaf spots that spread quickly—remove and destroy affected foliage immediately and avoid wetting leaves during watering. For insect pressure, check for Colorado potato beetles on the undersides of leaves; hand-pick adults and larvae early, and if needed use an insecticidal soap or a labeled spinosad/BT product that’s specifically allowed for potatoes. Improve airflow by spacing plants properly and keep the soil hilled so tubers stay covered, which reduces sun damage and some disease pressure.

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

During active growth and bulking (roughly weeks after emergence through mid-season), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for rain and heat. Water deeply to moisten the ridges where tubers form, then let the top couple inches dry slightly before watering again to prevent rot and disease. A good test is that the soil feels like a wrung-out sponge at ridge depth, not soggy or dusty.

How do I tell when Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) like ‘Chieftain’ are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the plants are naturally dying back and the foliage has yellowed—‘Chieftain’ typically takes about 95 days from planting. Before lifting, gently dig one hill to check that tubers have set skins that won’t rub off easily; if you can scrape the skin off with light friction, leave them longer. For best storage quality, cure harvested tubers for 7–10 days in a cool, dry, shaded spot after harvest.

Velvety-skinned and richly colored, Chieftain red potatoes offer a deep, rosy exterior that hints at their smooth, creamy interior. Their firm, fine-grained texture holds beautifully for hearty, satisfying results—ideal for roasting to a golden finish, mashing into silky comfort, or turning into robust salads and stews where color and substance matter. A dependable 95-day performer, Chieftain brings dependable harvest quality to the home garden with every season.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant seed potatoes in cool, moist soil and keep hilled as vines grow to prevent tubers from greening.