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Root vegetables · Solanum tuberosum 'Pontiac'

Pontiac Red Potato

Pontiac Red Potato is an open-pollinated root vegetable. Germination takes 14-28 days and fruit ripens from about day 80-95. Skin runs to red skin with white flesh. Water need is 1-2 inches per week, reduce watering 2 weeks before harvest. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Root vegetables
80-95days to harvest
14-28days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Container friendly

Sowing

Plant seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before last frost date. Cut pieces should have 2-3 eyes. Hill soil around plants as they grow.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, reduce watering 2 weeks before harvest
Soil
Loose, well-drained soil with good organic matter
Soil pH
5.0-6.0
Spacing
12-15 inches
Height
12-24 inches
Season
Cool to warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Red skin with white flesh
Size
3-5 inches long, medium to large
Shape
Oval to round tubers
Flavour
Mild, earthy flavor with creamy texture

In the kitchen

Boiling, baking, roasting, potato salad, mashing. Holds shape well when cooked.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Colorado potato beetle, aphids, wireworms, flea beetles
Diseases
Late blight, early blight, potato scab, blackleg
Resistance
Good resistance to scab and some virus strains

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyAugust – September
2——May – JulyAugust – September
3——May – JuneJuly – October
4——April – JuneJuly – October
5——April – MayJuly – November
6——April – MayJune – November
7——March – MayJune – November
8——March – AprilMay – December
9——February – MarchApril – December
10——January – MarchApril – December
11——January – FebruaryMarch – December
12——January – FebruaryMarch – December
13——January – FebruaryMarch – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for Colorado potato beetles and aphids, deters cucumber beetles
ChivesRepels aphids and may improve potato flavor and growth
GarlicDeters Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and fungal diseases
Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil and don't compete for space with potato tubers
CabbageBenefits from potato's pest-repelling properties while not competing for nutrients
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects that prey on potato pests
LettuceUses different soil nutrients and harvests before potatoes need full space

Avoid

TomatoBoth are nightshades susceptible to same diseases like blight and attract Colorado potato beetles
SunflowerAllelopathic effects inhibit potato growth and competes heavily for nutrients
Walnut TreeProduces juglone which is toxic to potatoes and inhibits their growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
41
Protein (g)
0.93
Fat (g)
0.24
Carbohydrate (g)
9.58
Fibre (g)
2.8
Sugars (g)
4.74
Vitamin A (µg)
835
Vitamin C (mg)
5.9
Vitamin E (mg)
0.66
Vitamin K (µg)
13.2
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.138
Folate (µg)
19
Calcium (mg)
33
Iron (mg)
0.3
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
35
Potassium (mg)
320
Zinc (mg)
0.24
Selenium (µg)
0.1
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the root vegetables growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Similar varieties

Other root vegetables with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Pontiac Red Potato suits these too.

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