How to Grow Marquis Potato
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Marquis Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Marquis'
vegetableMarquis is a mid-season potato variety known for its smooth, oblong tubers with shallow eyes and excellent all-purpose cooking qualities. Developed in Canada in the early 1900s, it became one of the most widely grown potato varieties and remains popular for its consistent yields and reliable performance. The plants are vigorous growers with good disease resistance, particularly to late blight.
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Example Marquis Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Marquis Potato
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 Marquis Potato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Marquis Potato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cooler growing seasons
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Seed Piece & Sprouting
2-3 weeksPotato seed pieces are planted with sprouts emerging within 10-14 days; small white roots begin developing
Plant seed pieces in cool soil (50-60°F) with at least 2-3 eyes per piece; ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged; pre-sprout seed pieces indoors 2-3 weeks before planting for faster emergence
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksShoots emerge and develop leaves; plants establish a strong root system and begin stolons (underground stems) that will produce tubers
Hill soil around plants when they reach 6 inches tall to cover exposed tubers and encourage tuber development; keep soil consistently moist; monitor for pests and diseases; apply mulch to retain moisture
Flowering
2-3 weeksPlants produce white flowers with purple tinges; this indicates active tuber bulking is occurring underground
Continue consistent watering; maintain even soil moisture to prevent tuber cracking; do not allow soil to dry out; continue hilling if needed; monitor for late blight and other diseases
Tuber Bulking & Maturation
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and foliage remains green as tubers rapidly increase in size and starch content; skins harden as maturity approaches
Maintain steady watering until 2 weeks before harvest; reduce watering gradually as plants mature; provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases; do not apply nitrogen fertilizer at this stage
Harvest Ready
Ongoing readinessFoliage yellows and begins to die back; tubers have developed characteristic smooth, oblong shape with shallow eyes and firm skin
Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to allow skin to set; harvest when foliage is mostly dead; dig carefully to avoid bruising tubers
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 for seedlings; spray neem oil or spinosad; encourage natural predators like spined soldier bugs
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs and parasitic wasps; neem oil applications
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Row covers over seedlings; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; kaolin clay spray
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Reflective mulches; yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil sprays
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Prevent tuber exposure through proper hilling; store tubers in cool, dark conditions; wrap seed potatoes before planting
Uses
All-Purpose Cooking
CulinaryMarquis potatoes are versatile all-purpose potatoes ideal for boiling, mashing, baking, and frying. Their moderate starch content and creamy texture make them excellent for mashed potatoes and potato salads without becoming gluey. [source]
Traditional Dishes
CulinaryTheir smooth skin and shallow eyes make them ideal for peeling and traditional European potato dishes like pommes Anna, gratins, and potato soup. [source]
Food Storage & Preservation
HouseholdMarquis potatoes have excellent keeping qualities and can be stored for 4-6 months under proper cool, dark conditions, making them ideal for long-term home food storage and root cellar preservation. [source]
Nutritional Source
MedicinalPotatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese. When prepared without excess fat, they contribute to a balanced diet and were historically relied upon as a staple nutritious food source. [source]
Natural Printing & Craft
CraftPotato halves are traditionally carved for stamp printing and children's crafts, making this variety useful for educational and artistic projects. [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 is mostly dead, typically 75-90 days after planting or 2-3 weeks after flowering ceases. Dig carefully with a garden fork, working from the side to avoid spearing tubers. Cure harvested potatoes in a cool (50-60°F), dark, humid space for 10-14 days to toughen skins before storage. Store in cool (35-40°F), dark conditions with 90% humidity; properly stored Marquis potatoes keep 4-6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Marquis was developed in Canada by Canadian agricultural scientists and released in 1913, becoming so popular that it was widely adopted across North America and remains a heritage variety sought by gardeners today.
- 🌱 The variety was created specifically to be disease-resistant and high-yielding, and it was named after the Marquis wheat variety (a famous Canadian crop innovation), establishing a tradition of agricultural excellence.
- 🌱 Marquis potatoes were instrumental in demonstrating that selective breeding and scientific plant development could produce superior food crops, influencing modern agricultural breeding practices for decades.
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