SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Ranger Russet

Potato
Zone 3a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Ranger Russet to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Ranger Russet
110d to harvest

Earthy and richly aromatic, Ranger Russet delivers a deep russet skin with a velvety, golden interior that feels almost satin-smooth in the hand. Built for steady, dependable harvest at about 110 days, these tubers offer a hearty texture that shines when roasted to a crisp, caramel-brown finish, and they also excel for mashing into silky, comforting bowls or for sturdy fries with a satisfying bite. A favorite for gardeners who love reliable performance and the satisfying reward of a true russet.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Chit seed potatoes before planting and keep hilling as vines grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight and greening.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 3a has only 109 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 110-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostMay 15th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity110
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitClumping
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)50
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Ranger Russet.

Garden Alerts

Zone 3a has only 109 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 110-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) like Ranger Russet, and how do I control it?
Potatoes commonly suffer from late blight (Phytophthora infestans), especially in cool, wet weather. Start with resistant seed tubers, space plants for airflow, and water at the soil line (not the foliage); remove and destroy any blighted leaves immediately to slow spread. If blight risk is high in your area, use a registered protectant/fungicide labeled for potatoes and follow label timing, typically beginning when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and repeating as directed.
How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during its main growing phase (from emergence through tuber bulking)?
During active growth and tuber bulking, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water per week total (adjust for rain and heat). Check by digging 2–3 inches down: it should feel like a wrung-out sponge; if it’s dry at that depth, water deeply, and if it stays soggy, reduce watering and improve drainage.
How can I tell when Ranger Russet potatoes are ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 110 days (varies with conditions) when the plants start to yellow and vines die back, and the skins are set—scrape one tuber gently with your thumb; if the skin won’t rub off easily, they’re ready. For best flavor and storage, harvest after the tops have fully died back, and handle gently to avoid skin damage.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Chit seed potatoes before planting and keep hilling as vines grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight and greening.

Botanical illustration of Ranger Russet

Earthy and richly aromatic, Ranger Russet delivers a deep russet skin with a velvety, golden interior that feels almost satin-smooth in the hand. Built for steady, dependable harvest at about 110 days, these tubers offer a hearty texture that shines when roasted to a crisp, caramel-brown finish, and they also excel for mashing into silky, comforting bowls or for sturdy fries with a satisfying bite. A favorite for gardeners who love reliable performance and the satisfying reward of a true russet.