Gem Star Russet

Potato

Zone 9b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Gem Star Russet

🌱 95d to harvest Clumping

Velvety russet skin with a warm, earthy glow gives Gem Star Russet its unmistakable, satisfying presence—each tuber is built for …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	May 15th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
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

Yadkin Valley Red Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Late blight (often starts on leaf tips and spreads quickly with brown, water-soaked patches) is one of the most damaging problems for potatoes. Remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as you see them, keep foliage as dry as possible, and rotate away from other Solanaceae crops for multiple seasons; if blight pressure is high, use a labeled fungicide that specifically targets late blight and apply according to the label schedule. For prevention, avoid overhead watering and don’t overcrowd plants so air can move through the canopy.

How often should I water Solanum tuberosum during tuber bulking?

During tuber bulking (roughly midseason through about day 70+), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 to 2 inches of water per week depending on your rainfall and heat. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil start to dry, and avoid frequent light sprinkling that wets leaves and encourages blight. Maintain consistent moisture; irregular watering can lead to misshapen tubers.

How can I tell when my Solanum tuberosum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the plants’ foliage turns yellow and begins to die back naturally—typically around 95 days from planting. Before lifting, gently scrape the soil and check that tuber skins are firm and don’t rub off easily; if skins are still thin, give them another week. Lift carefully with a fork to avoid cuts and bruises, and let tubers dry in the shade for a short time after harvest.

Velvety russet skin with a warm, earthy glow gives Gem Star Russet its unmistakable, satisfying presence—each tuber is built for that classic, dry, fluffy bite. The flesh is creamy and pale, offering a fine-grained texture that holds its character beautifully for roasting, mashing, and hearty sauces, while also shining in soups and stews. Grow this 95-day russet for dependable harvests and a tuber set that feels as rewarding to lift from the soil as it is to serve at the table.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

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

Expert Note

Plant seed potatoes once soil temps are consistently warm enough for growth and keep hilled as vines establish to prevent greening.