Potato Tubers, Russet Burbank (10 Micro Tubers)

Sku:
#PT114
$17.00

Description

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(Solanum tuberosum). If you find yourself on a quest to grow the perfect French fry potato... or you're just looking for a great all-purpose tuber, look no further than this rough and ready classic! The Russet Burbank is a household name in America for great reason. The variety traces its lineage to the legendary plant breeder Luther Burbank, and it has remained the most popular American potato variety. While a Russet Burbank looks quite humble with its scaly skin and oblong shape, you will be rewarded with the absolute crispiest chips and fries, and it is also the quintessential baked potato! Heavy yields come on late with this reliable old favorite, and it is noted to be resistant to scab!

  • Indeterminate
  • 95-105 days to maturity
  • 6-8 hours of full sun
  • Sprouts in 7-14 days
  • Seed Depth: 2“
  • Plant Spacing: 12-18"
  • Ideal Temperature: 60-70 F
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

Russet Burbank potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Choose a sunny location, as they require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Potatoes grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.0. Keep in mind that they don’t tolerate soggy, waterlogged soil.

When to Grow

Russet Burbank potatoes grow best in the cool season and should be planted in early spring, once the soil temperature is consistently above 45 F. In warmer climates, planting in late summer for a fall harvest is also possible. Check your local frost dates to determine the best planting time, as potatoes are not frost-hardy and can be damaged by freezing temperatures. If you’re not sure how to do it, consult our blog post, ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.

How to Sow and Plant

Prepare loose, fertile, and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5-6.5. Plant the microtubers whole, without cutting, as they are small in size. Place the tubers about 2 inches deep with the sprout side facing up. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Cover them lightly with soil and water thoroughly after planting to ensure the soil remains moist. Sprouts will generally emerge within 7-14 days, depending on soil temperature and growing conditions.

How to Grow

As the plants grow, mound soil or straw around the base. This process, called hilling, protects the developing tubers from sunlight exposure, which can cause greening and bitterness. Repeat hilling every 2-3 weeks as the plants grow taller. Water consistently throughout the growing season, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering when the plants begin to die back to help cure the tubers. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer during planting and once again mid-season, focusing on phosphorus and potassium for tuber development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of tubers.

How to Save

  • otatoes will fruit, but the seeds will not breed true. That is why potatoes are propagated from tubers instead of seeds.
  • Provide ideal storage conditions in order to keep your tubers over winter until the following spring planting date.
  • Be sure to cure tubers before storing, and store cured tubers in a cool, dark, dry location. Ideal storage temperature is 38-40 F.
  • Provide good air circulation in your storage area to discourage rot.
  • Watch this video for a look at how we plant potatoes at Baker Creek.

FAQ

How long does it take Russet Burbank potatoes to mature?
These potatoes take approximately 95-105 days to reach full maturity. For smaller new potatoes, you can harvest them about 2-3 weeks after flowering.

What type of soil is best for Russet Burbank potatoes?
Loose, well-draining, fertile soil is ideal for growing these potatoes. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Compact or heavy soils can be amended with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and texture.

Why are my Russet Burbank potatoes green?
Potatoes turn green when exposed to sunlight, which triggers the production of solanine, a bitter and toxic compound. To prevent greening, make sure to hill soil or mulch around the plants to cover developing tubers.

What is the difference between microtubers and regular seed potatoes?
They are grown in much the same way - don’t cut the microtubers as you might with larger seed potatoes, and don’t plant them quite as deeply into the soil.  Check out our blog post “Can’t Top These Tiny Taters” for more details!

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