Which month is suitable for planting potatoes?

As a high-yield crop, potatoes can actually be grown in most parts of China, and the growing season is relatively flexible. However, if you want to grow potatoes with good quality and high yield, there are many requirements. Let’s learn together which month is suitable for planting potatoes?

Which month is suitable for planting potatoes?

The planting time of potatoes is mainly divided into two seasons: spring and autumn. The specific time can be adjusted appropriately according to the geographical location and climatic conditions:

1. Spring

Spring is the suitable season for potato planting , which usually takes place from March to April every year. During this period, the temperature gradually warms up and the soil begins to thaw, which is suitable for potato growth. Potatoes planted in spring can be harvested in June-July. In the northern and northwestern regions, it is usually planted in spring from mid-to-late April to early May and harvested in autumn. Usually only one season is planted in a year.

2. Autumn

Autumn is another best time to plant potatoes, usually from September to October. Potatoes planted in the fall can be harvested in the winter or the following spring, depending on the variety and climatic conditions.

3. Winter

In some areas with warm climates, such as the southern region, potatoes can also be planted in winter from October to November and harvested from February to March of the following year.

Potato planting tips

1. Select and process seed potatoes

Choose healthy seed potatoes that are free of pests and diseases, and give priority to those that are large in size, regular in shape, and have obvious buds as seeds. In order to save seed potatoes and increase yield, large seed potatoes should be cut into small pieces, with each piece guaranteed to have 1-2 healthy eyes. Note that sterilized blades should be used when cutting seed potatoes to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

2. Germination after cutting

Roll the cut seed potatoes in wood ash to disinfect the cut and promote healing. The seed tubers are then placed in a slightly humid environment to promote the germination of sprouts.

3. Soil preparation and fertilization

While the potatoes are germinating, the planting site should be deep plowed to a depth of about 40 cm, and sufficient amount of well-rotted farmyard manure should be applied. After the soil and fertilizer are mixed evenly, ridges are formed to increase the thickness of the soil and provide a good soil environment for potato growth.

4. Planting seeds

After the seed potatoes sprout, dig holes according to the predetermined plant spacing and row spacing. Put an appropriate amount of farmyard manure and wood ash into each hole, then cover with a thin layer of soil. Place the sprouted seed potatoes with the eyes facing upwards into the hole, and finally cover with soil about 1.5 cm.

5. Management after germination

After the potatoes emerge, there is no need to apply fertilizer immediately in the early stage, as they mainly rely on the nutrients in the seed tubers. As the potato seedlings grow, when the plant height reaches more than 15 cm, start applying top dressing, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, to promote plant growth. At the same time, thin out the seedlings, retaining 1-2 strong seedlings in each planting hole and cutting off the weak seedlings.

6. Topdressing and soil cultivation

As potatoes enter the tuber growth period, adjust the fertilization strategy and increase the application of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, such as potassium sulfate or wood ash, to promote the formation and expansion of tubers. During the growth of potatoes, irrigate in time according to soil moisture, and pay attention to the prevention and control of diseases and pests.

In short, when choosing the planting time, the temperature requirements of potatoes should be considered. Seed potatoes can germinate and grow when the soil surface temperature reaches 5-8℃, and the suitable temperature for growth is around 15-20℃.