How to Grow Red Norland
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Red Norland
Solanum tuberosum 'Red Norland'
vegetableRed Norland is an early-maturing potato variety with distinctive red skin and white flesh, prized for its excellent flavor and waxy texture. It's a reliable, high-yielding cultivar that's ideal for boiling, steaming, and potato salads due to its ability to hold its shape during cooking. This heirloom variety is popular among home gardeners for its consistent performance and disease resistance.
When should you plant Red Norland in your zone?
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Example Red Norland timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Norland
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 Red Norland
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Norland dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7; can be grown in zones 2-8 with proper management
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Seed Piece & Sprouting
2-3 weeksSeed potatoes are planted and begin sprouting underground; white roots emerge and sprouts develop
Ensure soil temperature is at least 45°F (ideally 55-70°F). Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Plant in loose, well-prepared soil.
Emergence & Early Growth
2-3 weeksSprouts break through soil surface and develop first leaves; stems become established
Begin regular watering and monitor for emerging weeds. Provide consistent moisture. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Vegetative Growth & Hilling
4-5 weeksPlants develop robust foliage with multiple stems; flowering buds begin to form; stolon development occurs underground
Hill soil around plants 2-3 times as they grow to cover developing tubers and prevent greening. Water deeply and consistently. Remove any potato beetles and monitor for late blight.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear at stem tips; tubers are actively forming underground
Maintain consistent moisture during this critical tuber-filling period. Continue hilling if needed. Watch for pests and diseases. Flowers can be left on plant or removed.
Maturation & Harvest
1-2 weeks before harvestFoliage begins to yellow and die back; potato skins harden and cure; tubers reach full size
Reduce watering 2 weeks before harvest to allow skin to harden. Once tops are completely dead, carefully dig potatoes. Handle with care to minimize bruising. Cure in a cool, dark place before storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Use reflective mulches; spray with insecticidal soap; plant-resistant varieties; manage weeds that harbor leafhoppers
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Choose resistant varieties when possible; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage promptly; apply copper fungicide or sulfur-based products; ensure good air circulation
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Use trap crops like onions or wheat; till soil thoroughly before planting; apply beneficial nematodes; rotate crops annually
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Maintain soil pH below 6.5; avoid fresh manure; ensure good drainage; choose resistant varieties; rotate crops
Uses
Boiling and potato salads
CulinaryRed Norland's waxy texture and thin, tender skin make it ideal for boiling, steaming, and salads where you want potatoes to hold their shape. The mild, slightly sweet flavor complements vinaigrettes and mayonnaise-based dressings perfectly. [source]
New potatoes and seasonal cooking
CulinaryHarvest Red Norland as new potatoes just 2-3 weeks after flowering for tender, thin-skinned tubers that require minimal preparation. Simply scrub and boil or roast whole with herbs and olive oil. [source]
Home kitchen staple
CulinaryWith excellent disease resistance and reliable yields, Red Norland is a staple for home gardeners seeking consistent, flavorful potatoes for everyday cooking throughout the fall and winter. [source]
Storage and preservation
HouseholdRed Norland potatoes store exceptionally well in cool, dark conditions and retain their quality for 4-6 months. This makes them perfect for home storage and root cellar preservation. [source]
Garden biodiversity
WildlifePotato plants attract beneficial insects and provide foliage for pollinators. The flowers can feed bees, and the dense foliage creates habitat for ground-dwelling beneficial species. [source]
Harvest Tips
Red Norland potatoes mature in 70-90 days and are ready to harvest when tops die back completely. Dig carefully with a fork from the sides of the hill to avoid bruising. For new potatoes, harvest 2-3 weeks after flowering when skins are thin. Cure harvested potatoes in a cool (45-60°F), dark, humid place for 2 weeks before storage. Store in darkness at 40-45°F with good ventilation; they can keep 4-6 months with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Norland was developed in Canada and is named after the Norland region; it's one of the few potato varieties bred specifically for northern climates and early maturity.
- 🌱 Unlike starchy varieties, Red Norland's waxy texture comes from lower starch content and higher moisture, making it one of the best potatoes for holding shape during cooking—a trait prized by professional chefs.
- 🌱 Potatoes were first domesticated in the Andes Mountains over 8,000 years ago, but Red Norland represents modern potato breeding focused on disease resistance, yield, and flavor for cool climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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