How to Grow Earlired Potato

Seed potatoes are cut (if large) to pieces with 1-2 eyes and allowed to callous over for 1-2 days before planting. Seeds are placed 4-6 inches deep in prepared, loose soil.

Use certified seed potatoes to avoid disease. Plant as soon as soil is workable in spring. Ensure adequate soil temperature (40-50°F minimum, ideally 45°F+) for sprouting.

Sprouts push through the soil surface 2-3 weeks after planting. Initial leaves appear simple and pale green; plants are tender and vulnerable.

Protect emerging sprouts from late frosts with mulch or row covers if needed. Apply mulch (2-3 inches of straw or shredded leaves) to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and reduce disease pressure. Begin regular monitoring for pests.

Plants develop multiple stems and leaflets, growing vigorously. Foliage becomes fuller and darker green. This is when potato tubers begin developing underground.

Hill soil around plants twice during this stage (when plants are 6-8 inches tall, then again 2-3 weeks later) to promote tuber development and prevent greening. Maintain consistent moisture and watch closely for late blight, aphids, and beetles. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.

Plants flower with white to pale purple blooms; tubers develop and enlarge underground. Earlired typically produces medium, compact tubers with red skin. Plant vigor may plateau as energy shifts to tuber growth.

Continue consistent watering; do not allow soil to dry out completely or tubers will be small and deformed. Maintain mulch layer. Stop fertilizing to avoid excess nitrogen. Scout for diseases and pests. Plants may show some leaf yellowing as they age—this is normal.

Foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally. For early potatoes like Earlired, harvest begins when plants are still partially green (new potatoes, 60-70 days), or wait for full senescence (75+ days) for better storage. Tuber skins harden and cure.

For new potatoes, carefully dig around the hill without damaging tubers when plants are still partly green. For full maturity, wait until foliage is completely brown and dead, then harvest. Handle tubers gently to avoid bruising. Cure harvested potatoes in a cool (45-50°F), dark, humid place for 10-14 days before storage.