Chieftain

Potato

95d to 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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 19th
Harvest Begins	Aug 22nd
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

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

German Extra Hardy Garlic

Kokusai Chives

Frequently Asked Questions

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.