How to Grow Russet Burbank Potato
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Russet Burbank Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Russet Burbank'
vegetableRusset Burbank is a classic, high-yielding potato cultivar developed by Luther Burbank in the 1870s, characterized by brown, oblong tubers with white flesh. It is the most widely grown potato variety in North America and is prized for baking, frying, and mashing due to its high starch content and fluffy texture. This mid-season variety produces vigorous vines and is known for excellent disease resistance and consistent productivity.
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Example Russet Burbank Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Russet Burbank 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 Russet Burbank Potato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Russet Burbank Potato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler regions (zones 4-6)
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Get my Russet Burbank Potato timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Piece & Sprouting
2-3 weeksSeed pieces are cut and planted; sprouts emerge 2-3 weeks after planting
Use certified seed potatoes; allow cut pieces to cure for 1-2 days before planting to prevent rot; ensure soil temperature is at least 45°F (7°C)
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksShoots emerge and vines develop leaves; plants grow 6-12 inches tall
Hill soil around developing plants twice to cover tubers and encourage lateral growth; maintain consistent watering; apply nitrogen fertilizer at mid-growth stage
Flowering
2-3 weeksWhite or purple flowers appear on vine tips; indicates active tuber development underground
Flowers are optional for potato growth (some cultivars are infertile); maintain moisture and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen; continue hilling if needed
Tuber Bulking
3-4 weeksUnderground tubers rapidly increase in size and starch accumulation; vines remain green and vigorous
Ensure consistent moisture and adequate potassium; reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive vine growth; mulch to keep soil cool and moist
Maturity & Harvest
1-2 weeks before harvest readinessVines yellow and die back; tubers reach full size; skin hardens and thickens
Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to let tubers cure in soil; harvest when vines are completely dead for best storage quality
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 spinosad or neem oil; rotate crops annually; encourage natural predators
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Use reflective mulches; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; plant resistant varieties; maintain crop rotation
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; plant companion flowers to attract beneficials
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation; remove affected leaves
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Plant resistant varieties; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves immediately; apply copper fungicide or sulfur; ensure proper spacing and air circulation; destroy infected plants
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Remove lower leaves as disease progresses; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide; rotate crops; improve air circulation
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Maintain soil pH below 6.0; improve drainage; avoid excessive lime; use certified seed potatoes; rotate crops
Uses
Baking & Mashing
CulinaryRusset Burbank potatoes are ideal for baking and mashing due to their high starch content and fluffy texture. Their mealy, absorbent flesh makes them perfect for creamy mashed potatoes and loaded baked potatoes. [source]
French Fries & Chips
CulinaryThe high starch-to-moisture ratio makes Russet Burbanks the gold standard for commercial french fries and crispy potato chips with excellent texture. [source]
Soups & Stews
CulinaryTheir firm texture holds up well in soups and stews without becoming mushy, making them ideal for hearty potato-based dishes. [source]
Natural Cleaning Agent
HouseholdPotato water (the starch-rich liquid from boiling) can be used as a natural, gentle cleaning solution for windows and floors. [source]
Animal Feed
WildlifeCulled or surplus Russet Burbanks can be cooked and fed to livestock as a nutritious supplemental feed source. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when soil dries out and vines completely die back (typically 70-90 days after planting). Carefully dig around plants with a garden fork, being careful not to bruise tubers. New potatoes can be harvested 2-3 weeks earlier by carefully digging and taking only larger tubers while leaving smaller ones to continue growing. Allow dug potatoes to cure in a cool (50-60°F), dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks to toughen skins before storage. Store at 45-50°F in darkness with 85-95% humidity for long-term keeping.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Russet Burbank was developed by Luther Burbank in Burbank, California, in the 1870s through selective breeding and has since become the world's most famous potato variety, accounting for roughly 30% of the potatoes grown in the United States.
- 🌱 This variety was instrumental in saving Ireland's food supply in the late 1800s as an alternative to the Irish Lumper potato, which was devastated by late blight, though Russet Burbanks are also susceptible to the same disease.
- 🌱 Russet Burbanks produce abundant white or purple flowers, yet the cultivar is largely sterile and produces few viable seeds, making seed potato propagation the only practical way to grow them.
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