Red Chieftain

Potato

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Spreading

Velvety-smooth skins in rich, ruby-red cloak the Red Chieftain tubers, with a warm, golden interior that glows when you lift them…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Solanum tuberosum (potato), and how do I prevent and treat it?

Watch for late blight (water-soaked leaf spots that rapidly spread) and early blight (target-like brown spots). At the first signs, remove heavily infected leaves and improve airflow (space plants and avoid wetting foliage), then use a labeled potato fungicide and follow the interval on the label. Also remove volunteer potato plants and keep mulch off the soil surface to reduce spore splash onto lower leaves.

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

During active foliage growth and tuber bulking, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 to 2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total, adjusting for rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, because soggy conditions limit tuber oxygen and can invite rot. Aim water at the base of the plants, not the leaves, to reduce disease pressure.

How can I tell when to harvest Solanum tuberosum (Red Chieftain potato)?

Harvest around 90 days from planting when the plants’ tops begin to yellow and die back, indicating tubers have thickened skins. For “new potatoes,” you can harvest earlier by gently digging one plant while leaving the rest to mature. After harvest, cure potatoes for about 10–14 days in a cool, dark, humid area to help skins toughen before storage.

Velvety-smooth skins in rich, ruby-red cloak the Red Chieftain tubers, with a warm, golden interior that glows when you lift them from the soil. Expect a medium-starch bite that turns tender and creamy with roasting and pan-browning, while staying pleasantly cohesive for mashing and hearty sides. Red Chieftain’s dependable 90-day rhythm makes it a confident choice for home gardeners who want color-forward red potatoes with a satisfying, versatile texture.

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 2–4 inches deep when soil is workable, and keep hills coming as the plants emerge to protect developing tubers from light.