Varietal Selection
Potato variety selection can be challenging given the number of choices available. Consider the length of the growing season, soil type, climate conditions, and production practices when selecting varieties. Little testing of potato varieties has been done in Utah, but with our proximity to Idaho, selecting varieties successful in Idaho is reasonable. Remember, most varieties will grow and produce tubers, but not all may be suited to your location. When selecting a new variety, compare it to existing varieties grown on your farm. Evaluate new varieties based on earliness, vine growth habit, and disease resistance. If viruses and fungal diseases have been problems, look for varieties with some resistance to these issues. Heirloom varieties, while popular, generally lack disease resistance and are more prone to cosmetic defects.
Variety Suggestions
Tuber Types | Varieties | Tuber Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Early | CalWhite | white skin; white-flesh |
Early | Irish Cobbler | buff skin; white flesh |
Early | Russett Norkotah | russet skin; white flesh |
Early | Dark Red Norland | dark red skin; white flesh |
Early | Norland | red skin; white flesh |
Mid-Season | French Fingerling | pink skin; yellow flesh |
Mid-Season | Gold Rush | russet skin; white flesh |
Mid-Season | NorValley | white skin; white flesh |
Mid-Season | Chieftain | red skin; white flesh |
Mid-Season | Red La Soda | deep red skin; white flesh |
Mid-Season | Red Pontiac | red skin; white flesh |
Late-Season | Bannock Russet | russet skin; white flesh |
Late-Season | Katahdin | whitish skin & flesh |
Late-Season | Russet Burbank | russet skin; white flesh |
Late-Season | Yukon Gold | yellow; buff skin; yellow flesh |
Late-Season | Ida Rose | red skin; white flesh |
Late-Season | Russian Banana | yellow skin; yellow flesh |
Late-Season | Western Russet | russet skin; white flesh |
We recommend that growers regularly test new varieties and compare them to what they already grow. On-farm testing is the best way to identify varieties that are most suited to local farms and unique conditions.