How to Grow Irish Cobbler Potato
Wikimedia Commons
Irish Cobbler Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Irish Cobbler'
vegetableIrish Cobbler is a classic early-maturing potato variety known for its white flesh, thin skin, and excellent flavor. Originally developed in Ireland in the 1870s, it has become a beloved heirloom variety prized for both home gardeners and commercial growers. This versatile potato is ideal for boiling, mashing, and salads due to its waxy texture and low starch content.
When should you plant Irish Cobbler Potato in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Irish Cobbler Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Irish Cobbler Potato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Irish Cobbler Potato
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Irish Cobbler Potato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cool-season growing conditions
Sign up free to see if Irish Cobbler Potato grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Irish Cobbler Potato timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Piece Germination
2-3 weeksSeed pieces begin sprouting in cool soil (50-60°F). Eyes produce white sprouts and develop initial root growth below ground.
Plant in loose, well-prepared soil. Keep soil temperature between 50-60°F for optimal sprouting. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants emerge above ground with leafy stems and compound leaves. Stolons (underground runners) begin developing where tubers will form.
Begin hilling soil around plants when they reach 6 inches tall. Hill every 2-3 weeks. Water consistently and fertilize with balanced fertilizer at 3-4 weeks.
Tuber Initiation & Bulking
3-4 weeksSmall tubers form on stolons below the soil surface. Leaves continue expanding and plants develop fuller canopy.
Continue hilling to prevent tubers from being exposed to light (which causes greening and solanine). Maintain consistent watering. Provide adequate nitrogen.
Flowering
2-3 weeksPlants produce small white, pink, or purple flowers in clusters. Tubers are actively enlarging underground.
Flowers are decorative but optional—tuber development is what matters. Maintain watering and hilling. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Maturity & Harvest Ready
Ongoing until harvestFoliage begins yellowing and dying back. Tuber skins firm up and skin-set hardens, making them suitable for storage.
Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to allow skins to cure. Harvest when foliage is completely dead or 70-80 days from planting.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick adults and egg clusters daily. Use neem oil spray. Apply spinosad or pyrethrin. Plant resistant varieties nearby as trap crops.
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects. Use reflective mulches. Apply spinosad if infestation is severe.
-
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation. Remove heavily infested leaves.
-
Use row covers on young plants. Spray with neem oil or pyrethrin. Use diatomaceous earth. Keep area weed-free.
-
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for nymphs. Remove infected plants. Control weeds. Plant disease-resistant varieties.
Uses
Boiling & Mashing
CulinaryIrish Cobbler's waxy texture and low starch content make it ideal for boiling whole or in chunks. It holds its shape beautifully and produces creamy mashed potatoes without becoming gluey. [source]
Salads & Fresh Cooking
CulinaryThe thin skin and firm flesh are perfect for potato salads, where they maintain their structure and absorb dressings evenly. Excellent for boiling and serving with butter and herbs. [source]
Traditional Irish Cuisine
CulinaryA heritage variety with deep cultural significance in Irish cooking, particularly used in colcannon, boxty, and champ. Named for its popularity among Irish potato farmers. [source]
Home Storage
HouseholdIrish Cobbler stores very well in cool, dark conditions (35-40°F) for 3-4 months, making it excellent for home growers seeking winter storage crops. [source]
Chip Production
CulinaryHistorically used commercially for potato chips due to consistent size and quality. Home gardeners can use them for homemade chips and fries. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest Irish Cobbler potatoes 60-80 days after planting when foliage has mostly died back and skins are firm. Dig carefully to avoid bruising tubers. Harvest on a cool, dry day. Store unharvested potatoes in cool (35-40°F), humid conditions for several months. For baby new potatoes, harvest 45-55 days when plants still have green foliage by carefully digging around plant base.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Irish Cobbler was first bred in Ireland in the 1870s and brought to the United States where it became one of the most important commercial potato varieties of the early 20th century.
- 🌱 The variety is named 'Cobbler' because it was popular among Irish cobbler families and working-class communities who grew potatoes for sustenance.
- 🌱 Irish Cobbler potatoes have thin, papery skin that bruises easily, which is why careful harvesting and gentle handling are essential—this thin skin also means less peeling is needed before cooking.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Irish Cobbler Potato planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Irish Cobbler Potato seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Irish Cobbler Potato timeline →