How to Grow Radar Potato

Cut seed potatoes into 1.5-2 oz pieces with at least 2 eyes each. Plant pieces 4 inches deep in prepared soil after last frost date.

Allow cut pieces to cure for 1-2 days before planting to prevent rot. Plant when soil temperature reaches 45°F. Space 12 inches apart in rows 24-30 inches apart.

Sprouts emerge 2-3 weeks after planting. Plants develop first true leaves and begin establishing root systems and underground stolons.

Ensure consistent moisture. Begin hilling (mounding soil around plants) when plants are 6-8 inches tall to prevent greening of tubers. Keep soil weed-free.

Plants grow vigorously with multiple stems and compound leaves. Tuber initiation begins beneath the soil as stolons develop into small tubers.

Continue hilling as plants grow to ensure tubers stay covered. Maintain consistent watering (1-2 inches per week). Monitor for early blight and late blight. Apply disease-preventive fungicides if needed.

Tubers rapidly increase in size and develop their characteristic red skin. Plant foliage reaches full size and flowering begins.

This is the most critical growth stage for yield. Maintain even soil moisture to prevent cracking and misshapen tubers. Continue fungicide applications as a preventive measure, especially in humid conditions. Do not let soil dry out completely.

Foliage begins to yellow and senesce (age). Tuber skin hardens and thickens, ready for harvest. Radar typically matures in 65-85 days.

Stop watering about 2 weeks before harvest to allow skins to set and wounds to heal. Harvest when foliage is mostly dead. Use a fork or spade carefully to avoid bruising tubers. Cure harvested potatoes in a cool (45-50°F), humid, dark location for 10-14 days before storage.