By James Thomas 
Determinate and indeterminate potatoes are defined by ripening patterns. Several other varieties of potatoes fall into each class, so there are plenty from which to select. Choose between determinate and indeterminate types depending on factors like yield, garden space, and amount of work.
What are Determinate Potatoes?
Determinate potatoes are types with tubers that grow in just one layer. For this cause, the plants do not require mounding of the mud around them. They produce before, in about 70 to 90 days. Sow limited potatoes in loose soil to a depth of approximately 4 inches (10 cm.). Use mulch to prevent weed growth and to stop the tubers from being exposed to the sun, which will shift the potatoes green. Examples of determinate potatoes are Yukon Gold, Norland, Fingerling, or Superior.
What are Indeterminate Potatoes?
When the plants have got about 6 inches (15 cm.) in height, add several inches (8 cm.) of soil, straw, or through leaves until there are just 2 inches (5 cm.) of plant sticking out of the bank.
- Continue counting layers as the plant grows. It is because of the numerous layers of tuber production with indeterminate potatoes that these types are well suited to potato box towers, or even potato bags.
These are good for small spaces because they let you grow up and still get a good crop of potatoes. Standards of indeterminate potatoes are Snowden, Russet Burbank, and Bancock Russet.
Determinate vs. Indeterminate Potatoes
Whether you pick one or the other may depend on the types you want to grow. On the other hand, the potato growth factors might help you decide on a variety depending on how much yield you want versus how much space you own. You need more garden space to get better potatoes out of determinate varieties. For indeterminate potatoes, you will get better potatoes, but only if you have vertical play.
Types of Potatoes – Determinate vs. Indeterminate
- There are a couple of significant types of potatoes, determinate and indeterminate. What is the distinction you ask? Let me clarify. Determinate potatoes are fast rising (this is why they are the more common type for my Alberta, zone 3 growing zone) and their tubers develop in only one layer. This is why having determinate potato types does not impact your crop. You do not want the growing potato tubers exposed to daylight as this will turn them green. Counting mulch or hilling them once, although not altering the yield, will guarantee they don’t end up green. Determinate potatoes also have earlier than the indeterminate varieties – a big plus for those gardening in the steadier zones.
Determinate (Early and Mid-Season) Potato Varieties include:
Nom 1-Caribe
Nom 2-Chieftain
Nom 3-Cranberry Red
Nom 4-Fingerling
Nom 5-Gold Rush
Nom 6-Norland
Nom 7-Onaway
Nom 8-Reddale
Nom 9-Red Pontiac
Nom 10-Russet Norkotah
Nom 11-Superior
Nom 12-Yukon Gold
Nom 13-Viking
Indeterminate (Late Season) Potato Varieties Include:
1-All-Blue (Russian Blue)
2-Bintje
3-Butte
4-Canela Russet
5-Carola
6-Elba
7-German Butterball
8-Green Mountain
9-Kennebec
10-Nicola
11-Red Cloud
12-Russet Nugget
13-Strawberry Paw
There is no way of physically speaking determinate vs. indeterminate potatoes separated and oddly, potato suppliers do not always appear to label them “determinate” or “indeterminate but “before”, “mid” or “late season”.
When to Harvest Potatoes
- When gathering do not wash! Washing will cause them to go bad shortly. It is best to harvest when the soil is dry, as less of it will adhere to the potatoes this way. Let the dirt on potatoes fully dry by spreading them out in a dark, well-airy place for up to a week. Set separated any potatoes that are cut or nicked to use sooner rather than later as these will go wrong first. I like to pack mine in timber shavings. Other possibilities are layers of newspaper or sand. Try to keep potatoes from feeling. If some are it is not a big deal but if one starts to rot it will rot any other potatoes that are handling it. Store your potatoes in a cool shady place. Potatoes with thicker skins will keep longer than the more delicate skin varieties.
Where to Buy Seed Potatoes
FAQs
1. How do I cook Russet potatoes?
Russet potatoes are protean! You can singe them whole, mash them after boiling, rally them, or cut them into feasts. Their stiff texture makes them great for crisp feasts and delicate mashed potatoes.
2. Can I consume the skin of Russet potatoes?
Yes! The skin of Russet potatoes is palatable and full of nutrients, including fiber. Just make certain to wash them thoroughly before cooking if you plan to eat the skin.