Potatoes are a expectant craw to grow in zone 12 as there is no motive to worry about frost . Talk about a huge perk ! you’re able to grow three back-to-back crop each year , starting in the natural spring and ending in the declination . Planting potatoes in raised bed or mounds will insure they are well - drain and will also help you to forfend any potential job with soil - borne disease .
USDA Hardiness Zone 12 Climate
Climate zone 12 is a ardent climate , with average temperature range from 70 to 100 + degrees Fahrenheit . The warm clime means that there is no freeze , make it idealistic for year - round growth of potatoes . Rainfall varies throughout the year , but is generally high in the summer months . Summers are usually very hot and humid , while winters tend to be balmy and dry . The region has a long develop season , with most plant life capable to thrive in the warm temperatures . The temperate climate also makes it easy for gardeners to grow a broad variety of fruit and vegetables .
The Best Seed Potatoes For Zone 12
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in zone 12 , it is significant to be mindful of the variety ’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you desire to harvest them .
former - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have few years to reap and should be planted as before long as potential for harvesting in late summertime .
Mid - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more sidereal day to glean and should be planted in former April or early May for harvesting in dusk .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All naughty ’ have the most days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in other wintertime . Be sure to select salmagundi with the right number of day to harvest for your specify harvest appointment . Some good Irish potato varieties for zona 12 admit :
When To Plant Potatoes In Zone 12
Zone 12 experiences no unvoiced frosts , meaning that the humble , hardy potato can be grown at any prison term of the yr . Most Solanum tuberosum are ready to harvest by around 100 days after plant , so in a single twelvemonth , it ’s possible to grow 3 straight crop of potatoes .
How To Plant Potatoes In Zone 12
To plant seed potatoes , begin by preparing the soil for planting . This can be done by tilling the soil to a depth of approximately 8 inches and sum up organic compost to the soil . Once the soil is ready , place the seed potatoes in a cheery localization that receives at least 8 hours of verbatim sunlight .
The seed potatoes should be planted with the “ eye ” facing up and should be spaced or so 8 to 10 in apart . incubate the semen potato with 3 - 4 inches of soil , and irrigate them well . Once the Solanum tuberosum begin to sprout , tot up more soil to the rows to see to it that the white potato are well hide .
Water the potatoes on a regular basis and keep the area free of weeds .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is moderately easy – they ’re improbably hardy and generally no - fuss . Potato plants need full Sunday and well - drain grease to boom . They should be watered deep and regularly , allow the ground to dry out between watering .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth . white potato plant require a balanced plant food with equal parts nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium . This should be applied every four to six workweek , count on the soil ’s nourishing subject matter .
It is also important to keep the stain equally moist , as white potato vine do not tolerate dry or waterlogged conditions . Mulching around the spud plant can help oneself retain wet and boil down weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Zone 12
There are two sure ways to know your white potato are aboutready to harvest!The first is numerate back from your current particular date to their planting date . Potato variety have an close together numeral of days to harvest , so confab the days to reap for the particular diverseness of potatoes you ’ve planted . If you are n’t sure , assume it ’s around 100 days .
The appearance of your Solanum tuberosum plant is another dead giveaway . You will know your murphy are ready to reap when the foliage begins to turn yellow and give out back . Allow the soil around the industrial plant to dry before harvesting , but do n’t permit it to be dry for too long . Once harvest , inspect the Solanum tuberosum carefully- they should be firm and free of green or mild spots .
