How to Grow Pontiac Potato
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Pontiac Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Pontiac'
vegetablePontiac is a mid-season red potato variety known for its smooth, thin red skin and firm, waxy texture that holds its shape well during cooking. Originally developed in Minnesota, it is widely grown for both home and commercial use due to its disease resistance and reliable yields. The plants produce abundant red tubers that are ideal for boiling, salads, and potato dishes where appearance matters.
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Example Pontiac Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pontiac 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 Pontiac Potato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pontiac Potato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7; can be grown in zone 2 with care and in zone 8 as a fall crop
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Get my Pontiac Potato timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Piece/Sprouting
2-3 weeksCut seed potatoes are planted; sprouts emerge from eyes within 2-3 weeks
Use certified disease-free seed potatoes. Plant as soon as soil is workable in spring. Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain soil temperature around 50°F.
Vegetative/Haulm Growth
3-4 weeksPlants emerge with green foliage and stems; underground stolons begin forming tubers
Hill soil up around plants 2-3 times during growth to prevent green skin development. Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Monitor for early blight and late blight.
Flowering
2-3 weeksPlants produce clusters of white, pink, or red flowers; tuber bulking accelerates
Flowers indicate peak tuber development is beginning. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Maintain consistent watering (1-2 inches weekly). Continue hilling if needed.
Bulking/Tuber Development
3-4 weeksFlowers fade; tubers rapidly expand underground; foliage begins to mature
This is the critical period for yield. Ensure consistent water supply. Monitor closely for late blight, especially during cool, wet weather. Begin reducing water gradually as plants mature.
Maturity/Harvest Ready
Variable; ready when foliage is deadFoliage yellows and dies back; tuber skins harden (set); growth stops
For storage potatoes, wait until foliage is completely dead before harvesting. For early potatoes, harvest once tubers reach desired size even if plants still have green foliage. Allow tubers to cure for 10-14 days in cool (50-60°F), dark conditions before long-term 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 pyrethrin if infestation is severe. Rotate crops yearly.
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Spray with strong water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Use floating row covers early in season. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excessive nitrogen which attracts them.
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Pontiac has moderate resistance but is not immune. Remove affected foliage immediately. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and hilling. Apply copper fungicide or mancozeb preventatively in cool, wet conditions. Practice crop rotation.
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Remove lower leaves as plants grow. Improve air circulation. Apply copper fungicide or chlorothalonil. Mulch to prevent soil splash onto leaves.
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Use trap crops or bait. Practice crop rotation. Soil drench with beneficial nematodes. Avoid planting in heavily infested soils.
Uses
Boiling and Salads
CulinaryPontiac's waxy texture and firm flesh make it ideal for boiling whole or in chunks without falling apart. Excellent for potato salads, soups, and stews where presentation matters. [source]
Red Skin Dishes
CulinaryThe smooth, thin red skin can be left on for an attractive appearance in recipes like boiled potatoes with herbs, roasted potatoes, or creamy potato dishes. [source]
Long-term Storage
HouseholdPontiac potatoes store exceptionally well when cured and kept in cool (45-50°F), dark, humid conditions. Can store for several months, making them ideal for home storage. [source]
Commercial and Food Industry
CulinaryPontiac is a major commercial variety used by food processors and restaurants due to its consistent size, appearance, and cooking qualities. Widely used in fresh-pack and processing operations. [source]
Garden Ecosystem
WildlifePotato plants attract beneficial insects and provide food for pollinators during flowering. The crop also supports diverse soil microorganisms, contributing to overall garden health. [source]
Harvest Tips
For early harvest, dig carefully 50-60 days after planting once tubers reach golf-ball size or larger. For mature storage potatoes, wait until foliage dies back completely (70-90 days). Harvest on a dry day to minimize disease. Handle tubers gently to avoid bruising. Use a garden fork to dig, working from the side of the row to avoid stabbing potatoes. Pontiac's firm flesh resists damage, making it easier to handle than some varieties.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pontiac potatoes were developed at the University of Minnesota in the 1930s and are named after Pontiac, Michigan.
- 🌱 The variety has moderate resistance to late blight, a disease that caused the Irish Potato Famine, making it a more reliable choice for organic and sustainable growers.
- 🌱 Pontiac potatoes can be harvested at two different stages: immature 'new potatoes' at 50-60 days for delicate flavor, or mature potatoes at full size for storage and cooking versatility.
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