How to Plant Red Seed Potatoes: A Simple Guide for Growing Red Norland & Red Pontiac Potatoes at Home

We never planned to fall in love with potatoes. But here we are, muddy hands, happy hearts, and rows of red seed potatoes popping up beside our Snow Lettuce.

I’ll be honest, the first time we tried planting them, we put them upside down. Oops. Arya thought it was hilarious. Leo was mostly excited to dig them up, even if it meant pulling them way too early. But now? It’s become a little family tradition. One we look forward to every spring.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to grow your own red potatoes, you’re in the right place. It’s easy. It’s fun. And trust me, there’s nothing better than pulling fresh potatoes from the earth with your kids by your side. Let’s get planting.

What Are Red Seed Potatoes?

Red seed potatoes are baby potatoes that are specially grown to be planted in gardens. These little red potatoes grow into big potato plants underground. They are called “seed potatoes” because they help grow new potatoes. Red seed potatoes have red skin and a creamy inside. Popular kinds include Red Norland and Red Pontiac.

You can grow red potatoes in your backyard, in big buckets, or even in garden beds. All they need is some dirt, sunshine, water, and a little love, of course

How to Plant Red Norland Seed Potatoes?

Red Norland is a type of red potato that grows fast and tastes yummy. To plant them:

Pick a Sunny Spot
Choose a place in your yard where the sun shines most of the day.

Get the Dirt Ready
Dig up the soil to make it soft. Remove rocks or sticks. Mix in compost if you have some.

Cut and Dry the Potatoes
If your seed potato is big, cut it into chunks. Each chunk should have at least one eye (a little bump). Let the pieces dry for 1–2 days so they don’t rot.

Plant in Rows
Dig little holes 3–4 inches deep and 12 inches apart. Place each seed potato chunk with the eye facing up. Cover them with dirt.

Water and Wait
Water the soil, but don’t make it too wet. Keep the area moist. In a few weeks, green leaves will pop out.

Hill the Plants
When the plants grow 6 inches tall, pile dirt around the bottom of each plant. This helps more potatoes grow underground. Do this again after 2 weeks.

Harvest Time!
After 70–90 days, the plants will turn yellow. That means the potatoes are ready! Dig gently to find your red treasures.

How to Plant Red Seed Potatoes?

Planting red seed potatoes is easy and fun. Here’s a simple guide:

• When to Plant: Spring is the best time, after the last frost.
• Soil Needs: Loose, rich soil with good drainage.
• Depth: Plant 3–4 inches deep.
• Spacing: Leave about 12 inches between each seed potato.
• Water: Water often, but don’t flood the soil.
• Sun: Potatoes need lots of sunshine!
• Growth Time: 2–3 months until ready.

Always keep the soil around your potato plants mounded and weed-free. The more you care for them, the more potatoes you’ll dig up later!

Where to Buy Red Seed Potatoes?

You can buy red seed potatoes from these places:

• Local Garden Centers: They often sell seed potatoes in the spring.
• Online Stores: Websites like Amazon, Burpee, or Johnny’s Selected Seeds.
• Farm Supply Stores: Tractor Supply Co., Rural King, or similar places.
• Local Farmers Markets: Ask farmers if they sell seed potatoes.
• Nurseries: Especially those that specialize in vegetables.

Tip: Always look for certified seed potatoes. These are healthy and free from bad potato diseases.

How to Plant Red Pontiac Seed Potatoes?

Red Pontiac is another yummy red potato. It grows a little longer and has smooth red skin. Here’s how to plant it:

Start with Healthy Seed Potatoes
Make sure the seed potatoes are firm and not soft or moldy.

Cut into Pieces (If Big)
Just like Red Norland, cut big seed potatoes into chunks with eyes.

Plant Deep in Loose Soil
Dig holes 4 inches deep and space them about a foot apart.

Water Lightly Every Day
Keep the soil damp but not soggy.

Mound the Soil as They Grow
Hill up the soil two or three times as the plant gets taller.

Check After 90 Days
Carefully dig under the plants. Red Pontiac potatoes are usually ready in about 90–100 days.

Notes for Growing Red Potatoes

• Pick a spot with full sun.
• Use a potato grow bag if you don’t have space.
• Check the soil – too wet soil can rot potatoes.
• Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and fall over.
• Use gloves and a small shovel when digging to avoid slicing the potatoes.

FAQ

Can I plant store-bought potatoes?

Only if they are organic and sprouting. But certified seed potatoes are safer.

What do potato “eyes” look like?

They are little bumps or dots on the potato.

When should I plant red potatoes?

In spring, after the last frost is gone.

How long does it take for red potatoes to grow?

Usually 70 to 90 days, depending on the type.

How deep should I plant red seed potatoes?

About 3–4 inches deep in the soil.

Do red potatoes need a lot of sunlight?

Yes. At least 6 hours a day.

How do I know when my potatoes are ready?

The plant leaves will turn yellow and fall down. Then it’s time to dig.ing.