Pontiac

Potato

Zone 13a Save Garden

🌱 95d to harvest Clumping

Velvety-skinned and richly colored, Pontiac delivers an inviting blush of red over smooth, firm flesh—an elegant tuber that feels…

Crop Dates

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

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
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

Recommended Companions

German Extra Hardy Garlic

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Candy Onion

White Sweet Spanish Onion

Ruby Ball Cabbage

Flat Dutch Cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) and how do I manage it?

Early blight (Alternaria) and late blight are the most frequent potato diseases, especially when days are warm and nights are damp. Inspect weekly for brown, concentric leaf spots (early blight) or fast-spreading dark, water-soaked lesions (late blight), and remove affected tops before the disease spreads through the bed. Keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line, improve spacing/airflow, and rotate out of Solanaceae beds for at least 2–3 years; if late blight is present locally, use labeled preventative fungicide early according to label directions.

How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during its main tuber-building phase?

From about weeks 4–10 (when plants are actively growing and tubers are forming), water to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In typical home gardens, that usually means about 1–2 inches of water per week, split into 1–2 watering sessions; adjust so the top 2–4 inches of soil feel evenly moist, not wet. Avoid letting it dry out completely—uneven moisture can lead to misshapen or cracked tubers.

How can I tell when my Pontiac potatoes are ready to harvest (Solanum tuberosum, ~95 days)?

Check plant maturity by counting from planting (Pontiac typically fits the ~95-day window) and by observing plant dieback—vines should start yellowing and dying back. For a “new potato” harvest, dig lightly earlier, but for full-size tubers wait until most foliage has naturally died back and the skins are firm enough to resist rubbing off gently. Dig carefully with a fork to avoid cuts, then cure in a cool, airy place for 1–2 weeks before storage.

Velvety-skinned and richly colored, Pontiac delivers an inviting blush of red over smooth, firm flesh—an elegant tuber that feels substantial in the hand. Expect a creamy, golden interior with a dependable, all-purpose bite that shines for roasting and pan-frying, and also performs beautifully for mashing and hearty stews. From planting to harvest, Pontiac’s steady rhythm makes it a satisfying choice for gardeners who want dependable performance and standout color in the cellar.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant certified seed potatoes as soon as soil is workable and warm enough, then hill gradually as the plants emerge to keep tubers covered.