How to Grow Jeffersred
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Jeffersred
Solanum tuberosum 'Jeffersred'
vegetableJeffersred is a red-skinned potato variety developed at North Carolina State University, known for its excellent disease resistance and smooth, attractive appearance. It produces medium to large oval tubers with shallow eyes and red skin that is particularly appealing for fresh market sales. This mid-season variety is valued by both home gardeners and commercial growers for its productivity and culinary versatility.
When should you plant Jeffersred in your zone?
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Example Jeffersred timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Jeffersred
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Jeffersred
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jeffersred dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best production in cooler regions
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Get my Jeffersred timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Piece Sprouting
2-3 weeksSeed pieces develop sprouts and root system underground; soil begins to warm and sprouts emerge from soil surface.
Plant seed pieces after last frost when soil reaches 40°F; ensure consistent soil moisture; avoid cold snaps that can rot pieces.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksAbove-ground stems and leaves develop rapidly; plant builds foliage canopy; roots and underground stolons extend.
Hill soil around stems as they grow to 6-8 inches tall; maintain consistent watering; monitor for early blight; apply mulch to retain moisture.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white or pink flowers appear in terminal clusters; plant reaches maximum foliage; tuber formation begins below ground.
Continue hilling soil to prevent green tubers from sun exposure; maintain steady water supply; flowers indicate tubers are forming; watch for late blight.
Tuber Bulking
3-4 weeksFoliage remains green and healthy; underground tubers rapidly increase in size and starch accumulation; skin toughens.
Maintain consistent, deep watering (1-2 inches weekly); avoid overhead irrigation to reduce fungal disease; do not disturb soil to prevent tuber damage.
Maturity & Harvest
Harvest ready at 70-90 daysFoliage begins yellowing and dying back; tuber skins are fully set and resistant to damage; potatoes ready to harvest.
Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest to allow skin to cure; harvest when foliage is mostly dead; dig carefully to avoid bruising tubers; cure in cool, dark place before storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters; use row covers on young plants; apply spinosad or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; rotate crops yearly
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use reflective mulches; introduce ladybugs; neem oil as needed
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Use row covers early; dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth; apply neem oil; trap with yellow sticky cards; eliminate weeds
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation by spacing plants; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide; rotate crops; choose resistant varieties like Jeffersred
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Remove infected foliage immediately; avoid overhead watering; apply copper-sulfur fungicide weekly in wet conditions; improve drainage; resistant variety selection
Uses
All-Purpose Cooking Potato
CulinaryJeffersred's smooth red skin and firm texture make it ideal for boiling, mashing, roasting, and salads. The attractive appearance makes it popular for serving whole or halved in dishes where presentation matters. [source]
Fresh Market Appeal
CulinaryThe deep red skin and shallow eyes make Jeffersred particularly attractive for farm stands and market sales, commanding premium prices for its visual appeal and quality. [source]
Resistant Starch & Digestive Health
MedicinalWhen cooked and cooled, potatoes develop resistant starch, which can benefit gut health and improve insulin sensitivity. Jeffersred provides this benefit like other potato varieties. [source]
Long-Term Storage
HouseholdJeffersred's excellent storage capability makes it ideal for preserving harvest for winter use. Properly cured and stored tubers can last 4-6 months in cool, dark conditions. [source]
Garden Biodiversity Support
WildlifePotato plants attract beneficial insects and pollinators with their flowers, supporting broader garden ecosystem health when grown alongside companion plants. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when foliage yellows (70-90 days after planting) or when tubers reach desired size (can dig early for new potatoes at 60 days). Dig carefully with a fork, starting 12 inches from plant center to avoid bruising. Allow soil to dry slightly before harvesting to prevent skinning. Cure harvested potatoes in a cool (50-60°F), dark, humid place for 1-2 weeks to toughen skins before storage. Store in cool (40-50°F), dark conditions for winter use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Jeffersred was specifically bred at North Carolina State University for disease resistance and market appeal, making it one of the most reliable red varieties for home gardeners.
- 🌱 The variety is named after Thomas Jefferson, who was an avid gardener and farmer at Monticello and promoted agricultural innovation in early America.
- 🌱 Potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop by production, after rice, wheat, and corn, and Jeffersred contributes to global food security as a high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivar.
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