Desiree

Potato

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 110d to harvest Clumping

Earthy fragrance rises from the soil as Desiree potatoes mature—an heirloom with a velvety, golden-cream flesh and a smooth, rosy…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Apr 21st
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Charleston Wakefield Cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Solanum tuberosum (Desiree potatoes), and what can I do quickly?

Watch for late blight (water-soaked brown/black leaf spots that spread fast, often with fuzzy growth on the underside) and manage it early. Remove and destroy infected foliage immediately, avoid wetting leaves, and improve airflow so plants dry quickly after rain or irrigation. If it keeps appearing, use a labeled potato fungicide and reapply according to the label after rain—potatoes can be lost quickly once late blight takes hold.

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

During active tuber growth (roughly mid-season after plants are established), keep soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week total from rain and irrigation. Water deeply to wet the root zone, then let the top few inches dry slightly before watering again. Uneven watering can trigger growth cracks and misshapen tubers.

How do I know when Desiree potatoes are ready to harvest?

For fresh “new” potatoes, harvest when plants start to flower and flowers begin to fade, about 70–90 days from planting. For storage, let plants die back naturally and harvest about 110 days after planting (or when foliage has fully yellowed and skins are set). To check skin set, gently rub a tuber—if the skin doesn’t rub off easily, it’s ready.

Earthy fragrance rises from the soil as Desiree potatoes mature—an heirloom with a velvety, golden-cream flesh and a smooth, rosy-brown skin that feels substantial in the hand. Expect a creamy, fine-grained texture with a naturally rich, buttery flavor that shines in hearty roasts, pan-browned wedges, and silky mash, and holds its character beautifully for rustic salads and pickled preparations. Grow Desiree for the satisfying moment when the hills yield a generous harvest of uniformly attractive tubers, perfect for showcasing at the table and beyond.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

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

Expert Note

Chit seed potatoes for 2–4 weeks, plant when soil is cool but workable, and keep hilled early to prevent green tubers.