How to Grow Triumph Potato
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Triumph Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Triumph'
vegetableTriumph is a red-skinned, white-fleshed potato variety prized for its early maturity and excellent all-purpose culinary qualities. It produces medium-sized, round to oval tubers with shallow eyes and smooth skin, making it ideal for boiling, mashing, and potato salads. This variety is popular among home and commercial growers due to its consistent yield and disease resistance.
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Example Triumph Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Triumph 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 Triumph Potato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Triumph Potato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; earliest harvest in zones 4-7
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Get my Triumph Potato timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Piece Sprouting
2-3 weeksSeed pieces are planted and begin to develop sprouts from the eyes; roots emerge and explore the soil.
Ensure soil temperature is 45°F or higher; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; loose soil aids emergence.
Emergence & Early Growth
2-3 weeksGreen shoots break through the soil surface; first true leaves appear; plants are small but vigorous.
Begin hilling soil around plants when shoots reach 6 inches tall; protect from frost if late spring freeze threatens; monitor for sprouts and beetles.
Vegetative Growth & Hilling
3-4 weeksPlants develop full foliage with multiple stems; leaves are lush and green; tuber initiation occurs underground.
Hill soil around plants 2-3 times as they grow to prevent greening and sun-exposed tubers; maintain consistent watering; apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.
Tuber Bulking & Flowering
3-4 weeksPlants flower with white or pink blooms; tubers rapidly increase in size underground; foliage reaches maximum size.
Maintain even moisture; continue hilling if needed; do not over-fertilize with nitrogen; watch for late blight and Colorado potato beetles.
Maturation & Harvest Readiness
1-2 weeksFoliage yellows and dies back; skin hardens and becomes less likely to scruff during harvest; tubers reach full size.
Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest to allow skins to cure; harvest when foliage is 90% dead; handle tubers gently to avoid bruising.
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 neem oil; rotate crops annually
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use reflective mulches
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Plant resistant varieties when possible; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage; use copper or chlorothalonil fungicides
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Maintain pH below 6.5; avoid manure; plant resistant varieties; ensure good drainage
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Till soil deeply before planting; remove grubs by hand; use insecticidal baits; rotate crops; ensure good drainage
Uses
Boiling & Potato Salads
CulinaryTriumph's waxy texture and firm consistency make it ideal for boiling and potato salads; it holds its shape well and has excellent flavor. The thin red skin adds visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Mashing & Side Dishes
CulinaryWhile not as starchy as russets, Triumph creates creamy mashed potatoes with a pleasant texture and naturally buttery taste without excessive dairy. [source]
Early Season Fresh Eating
CulinaryAs an early-maturing variety, Triumph provides fresh, tender new potatoes in midsummer, offering superior flavor and delicate texture compared to storage varieties. [source]
Home Garden Staple
HouseholdTriumph is reliable and beginner-friendly with good disease resistance, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking consistent yields with minimal fuss. [source]
Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalPotatoes are excellent sources of potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese, with Triumph's red skin containing antioxidants like anthocyanins when consumed with skin intact. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Triumph reaches new potato stage (small, thin-skinned) 60-70 days after planting; dig carefully with a garden fork to avoid bruising tubers. For storage potatoes, harvest when foliage is mostly dead and skins have hardened (70-90 days). Cure in cool, humid conditions (45-60°F) for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in a cool, dark place at 35-40°F with 85-95% humidity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Triumph is one of the most widely grown potato varieties globally and is particularly popular in the United States for its early maturity and consistent quality.
- 🌱 The variety was developed in the Netherlands and is known for its excellent storability despite being an early variety; properly stored Triumph potatoes can last 4-6 months.
- 🌱 Triumph potatoes develop a naturally lower glycemic index than many other potato varieties, making them a somewhat better choice for blood sugar management compared to russets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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