How to Grow PA Golden
Wikimedia Commons
PA Golden
Solanum tuberosum 'PA Golden'
vegetablePA Golden is a mid-season potato variety developed by Pennsylvania State University, known for its golden/yellow flesh and excellent flavor. It produces medium-sized, oval tubers with thin, smooth skin and is particularly valued for mashing, frying, and fresh cooking applications.
When should you plant PA Golden 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 PA Golden timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant PA Golden
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 PA Golden
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact PA Golden dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, with best performance in cooler climates
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Seed Piece/Sprout
2-3 weeksSeed pieces absorb moisture and sprout; small white or purple sprouts emerge from eyes
Ensure seed pieces are certified disease-free; plant in loose, warm soil (60°F+); keep consistently moist
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksStems emerge and expand; foliage grows lush and green; underground stolons develop
Hill soil around plants twice during this stage to protect developing tubers; maintain consistent watering; apply mulch to retain moisture
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in clusters; plant reaches full canopy height
Flowers indicate tuber initiation below; maintain steady water and nutrient supply; continue hilling if needed
Tuber Bulking
3-4 weeksFlowers fade; energy diverts to tuber enlargement; golden tubers swell beneath soil surface
Critical stage for size and quality; provide consistent 1.5 inches water weekly; avoid stress; reduce nitrogen if applied
Maturity/Harvest Ready
1-2 weeks before diggingFoliage yellows and dies back; skin sets and thickens; tubers reach full size
Wait 2 weeks after foliage dies before digging to allow skin to fully set; avoid bruising during harvest
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early; use row covers; apply spinosad or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
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Hand-pick; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); encourage parasitic wasps
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Use certified seed pieces; rotate crops; apply nematodes; trap with carrot or potato baits
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to reduce soil splash; use resistant seed; apply copper fungicide preventively
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Use disease-free seed; maintain soil pH below 6.0; ensure consistent moisture; avoid lime
Uses
Mashing & Comfort Foods
CulinaryPA Golden's creamy, buttery golden flesh and moderate starch content make it ideal for mashed potatoes, soups, and potato salads. The smooth texture and rich flavor shine when prepared simply with butter and cream. [source]
Frying & Chips
CulinaryExcellent frying properties yield crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors for french fries and potato chips. The yellow color is visually appealing and indicates good flavor in finished products. [source]
Fresh Cooking
CulinaryWaxy to medium-starch content holds shape well when boiled or roasted, making it perfect for potato salads, roasted medleys, and hash browns. [source]
Nutritional Value
MedicinalPotatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, and resistant starch when cooled after cooking. PA Golden provides carbohydrates for sustained energy. [source]
Storage & Preservation
HouseholdPA Golden stores exceptionally well in cool, dark conditions for months, making it ideal for long-term home food security and winter meal planning. [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 2 weeks after foliage dies back for storage potatoes, or earlier (after 90 days) for fresh use if smaller tubers desired. Dig carefully with a garden fork, working outward from plant base to avoid bruising. Store in a cool (45-50°F), dark place with good ventilation for 6-8 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 PA Golden was developed by Penn State University's potato breeding program and has become a favorite among home gardeners and regional farmers for its exceptional flavor and versatility.
- 🌱 The golden color of the flesh comes from naturally occurring carotenoid compounds and is a hallmark of quality potato varieties preferred by culinary enthusiasts.
- 🌱 Potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop after rice, wheat, and corn, and were first domesticated in the Andes Mountains 7,000-10,000 years ago.
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