Small Potatoes Called – Your Complete Guide To Growing & Harvesting

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ah, the humble potato! It’s a staple in kitchens worldwide, but there’s something truly special about those adorable, bite-sized versions. Perhaps you’ve spotted them at the farmer’s market, in gourmet recipes, or even grown them yourself, wondering exactly what these delightful small potatoes called are. If you’ve ever felt a little confused, you’re not alone! Many gardeners and home cooks marvel at their flavor and versatility but aren’t quite sure how to classify or cultivate them.

Well, my friend, you’re in for a treat! In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to demystify everything about these tiny tubers. We’ll explore their different names, delve into the incredible benefits of small potatoes called, and provide you with all the expert knowledge you need to grow your own successful crop. Consider this your ultimate small potatoes called guide, packed with practical advice from an experienced gardener who truly loves these little gems.

By the end of this article, you’ll know precisely what to call them, how to plant and care for them, troubleshoot common issues, and even master sustainable growing practices. Get ready to transform your garden into a haven for these delicious, miniature marvels!

What Are Small Potatoes Called? Understanding Baby Spuds

Let’s clear up the confusion right away. When we talk about small potatoes called, we’re generally referring to a few distinct categories, and it’s helpful to understand the nuances. While they all share a diminutive size, their origins can differ.

New Potatoes vs. Baby Potatoes vs. Fingerlings

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:

  • New Potatoes: This is arguably the most common term. A “new potato” isn’t necessarily a specific variety. Instead, it refers to any potato variety that is harvested early in its growth cycle, while the tubers are still small and immature. They have thin, delicate skins that don’t need peeling and a creamy, often waxy texture.
  • Baby Potatoes: This is a broader, more general term for any small potato. It can include new potatoes, specific small-sized varieties, or even larger potatoes cut down to a smaller size for culinary purposes (though in gardening, we mean naturally small ones!).
  • Fingerling Potatoes: These are a specific type of heirloom potato characterized by their elongated, finger-like shape. They naturally grow small and slender, even when mature. Varieties like ‘Russian Banana’ or ‘French Fingerling’ are popular examples. They have a distinct, often nutty flavor and waxy texture.
  • Petite Potatoes: Often seen in grocery stores, this is a marketing term for small, uniformly sized potatoes, which can be new potatoes or naturally small varieties.

So, when you hear people asking about small potatoes called, they’re likely thinking about any of these delightful, early-harvested or naturally petite varieties. For our gardening purposes, we’ll focus on growing practices that yield these fantastic small tubers.

Why Grow Them? Benefits of Small Potatoes Called in Your Garden

Beyond their charming appearance, cultivating small potatoes offers a wealth of advantages for the home gardener. There are many compelling benefits of small potatoes called that make them a fantastic addition to any garden plan.

  • Quicker Harvest: One of the biggest perks! Small potatoes mature faster than their full-sized counterparts because you’re harvesting them earlier. This means a quicker turnaround from planting to plate, often within 60-90 days, depending on the variety.
  • Space Efficiency: Perfect for smaller gardens, raised beds, or even containers. Since you’re harvesting them before they reach their full mature size, they don’t require as much root development space.
  • Exquisite Flavor and Texture: New potatoes, in particular, are renowned for their delicate, creamy texture and sweet, earthy flavor. Their thin skins mean you don’t need to peel them, retaining more nutrients and flavor.
  • Versatility in the Kitchen: From roasting and grilling to boiling and mashing, small potatoes are incredibly versatile. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them a chef’s dream.
  • Nutrient Retention: Because their skins are so thin and edible, you consume more of the beneficial nutrients found just beneath the skin.
  • Multiple Harvests: You can often “rob” a few new potatoes from a plant without fully harvesting it, allowing the remaining tubers to continue growing. This extends your harvest window.

Embracing the cultivation of these tiny tubers adds a unique dimension to your gardening endeavors, promising delicious rewards with less waiting time!

Getting Started: How to Small Potatoes Called Successfully

Ready to dig in? Growing these delightful spuds is quite straightforward, making it an ideal project for both seasoned gardeners and those just starting out. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to small potatoes called a success in your backyard.

Choosing the Right Location and Soil

Like all potatoes, small varieties thrive in specific conditions:

  • Sunlight: Choose a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Soil: Potatoes prefer loose, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0). Amend heavy clay soils with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Avoid freshly manured beds, as this can encourage potato scab.
  • Crop Rotation: Always rotate your potato crops. Don’t plant potatoes in the same spot where other nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) have grown in the past 2-3 years. This helps prevent disease buildup.

Selecting and Preparing Seed Potatoes

The foundation of a good crop starts with good seed potatoes.

  • Certified Seed Potatoes: Always purchase certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable garden supplier. Do not use grocery store potatoes, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors or carry diseases.
  • Chitting (Optional but Recommended): About 2-4 weeks before planting, place your seed potatoes in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), bright location. This encourages them to sprout short, stubby “chits” or eyes, which leads to earlier and potentially larger yields.
  • Cutting Seed Potatoes: If your seed potatoes are larger than a chicken egg, you can cut them into pieces. Each piece should have at least 1-2 “eyes” (sprouts) and be roughly 1.5-2 inches square. Allow the cut pieces to “cure” or scab over for 2-3 days in a warm, humid spot before planting. This helps prevent rot.
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Planting Your Small Spuds

Timing is key for planting potatoes.

  • When to Plant: Plant your seed potatoes in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost, once the soil temperature consistently reaches 45°F (7°C).
  • Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig trenches about 6-8 inches deep. Place seed potato pieces cut-side down (or sprout-side up if chitted) about 10-12 inches apart in the trench. Space rows 2-3 feet apart to allow for hilling and air circulation.
  • Covering: Cover the seed potatoes with 3-4 inches of soil. As the plants grow, you’ll gradually add more soil in a process called “hilling.”

This careful start lays the groundwork for a bountiful harvest. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot; these initial steps are the most critical for healthy potato plants!

Care & Cultivation: Small Potatoes Called Care Guide and Best Practices

Once your potato plants emerge, consistent care is essential. Following this small potatoes called care guide will help ensure a robust harvest of delicious tubers.

Watering Wisely

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber development.

  • Consistency is Key: Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
  • Deep Watering: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
  • Avoid Overhead Watering: Water at the base of the plant to minimize fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent choices.

Hilling Your Potatoes

Hilling is crucial for potato development and protection.

  • Why Hill? As potato plants grow, new tubers form along the stem above the original seed potato. Hilling (mounding soil around the base of the plant) protects these developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and helps prevent pest damage.
  • How to Hill: When the plants are about 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around the stems, leaving only the top few inches of foliage exposed. Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks, or whenever the plants grow another 6-8 inches, until the mounds are about 12-18 inches high.

Fertilizing for Success

Potatoes are moderate to heavy feeders.

  • Pre-Planting: Incorporate balanced organic fertilizer or compost into the soil before planting.
  • Mid-Season: A side dressing of balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 8-10-8) when plants are about 6-8 inches tall and again during flowering can boost yields. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of tubers.

Weed and Pest Management

Keep your potato patch free from competition and unwelcome visitors.

  • Weeding: Keep weeds at bay, especially when plants are young, as they compete for nutrients and water. Mulching can help suppress weeds.
  • Common Pests: Watch out for Colorado potato beetles, potato leafhoppers, and flea beetles. Hand-picking beetles, especially in smaller gardens, can be effective. Organic pest control options like neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be used.
  • Diseases: Good air circulation, proper watering, and crop rotation are your best defenses against diseases like early and late blight.

By consistently applying these small potatoes called best practices, you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic harvest.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Small Potatoes Called

Even with the best intentions, gardeners sometimes face challenges. Knowing how to identify and address common problems with small potatoes called can save your crop and your sanity!

Green Potatoes

This is a common issue and a sign of trouble.

  • Problem: Tubers exposed to sunlight turn green. This green color indicates the presence of solanine, a natural toxin that makes potatoes bitter and potentially harmful if consumed in large quantities.
  • Solution: The best prevention is proper hilling! Ensure all developing tubers are completely covered with soil. If you find a green potato, cut away and discard the green parts generously before cooking, or discard the entire potato if it’s very green.

Scab (Common Scab)

A cosmetic but sometimes severe issue.

  • Problem: Rough, corky, scabby patches on the potato skin. It’s caused by a soil-borne bacterium (Streptomyces scabies) that thrives in alkaline or neutral soils and in soil recently amended with fresh manure.
  • Solution: Maintain slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0). Avoid planting in beds where scab has been an issue or where fresh manure was recently applied. Some potato varieties are more resistant to scab.

Blight (Early and Late)

These fungal diseases can devastate a potato crop.

  • Problem:
    • Early Blight: Appears as dark, concentric spots on older leaves, often with a yellow halo.
    • Late Blight: More aggressive, causing water-soaked lesions that quickly turn brown/black, often with a fuzzy white mold on the underside of leaves in humid conditions. It can spread rapidly to stems and tubers.
  • Solution:
    • Prevention is Key: Choose resistant varieties. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing. Avoid overhead watering.
    • Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant material immediately. Do not compost it.
    • Fungicides: In areas prone to blight, organic fungicides (like copper or sulfur sprays) can be used preventatively.

Pests: Colorado Potato Beetles & Leafhoppers

These insects love potato foliage.

  • Problem:
    • Colorado Potato Beetles: Both adults and larvae chew holes in leaves, often defoliating plants.
    • Potato Leafhoppers: Tiny, wedge-shaped insects that suck sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and eventually die (known as “hopperburn”).
  • Solution:
    • Hand-picking: Effective for Colorado potato beetles on small plots. Drop them into soapy water.
    • Row Covers: Physically block pests from reaching young plants.
    • Neem Oil/Insecticidal Soap: Can help control leafhoppers and young beetle larvae.
    • Crop Rotation: Helps disrupt pest life cycles.

By staying vigilant and addressing these issues promptly, you can minimize damage and enjoy a healthy yield of your cherished small potatoes called.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Small Potatoes Called Practices

Gardening is all about working with nature, not against it. Adopting sustainable and eco-friendly small potatoes called methods not only benefits the environment but often leads to healthier, more productive plants.

Embrace Organic Soil Amendments

Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden.

  • Compost: Regularly amend your soil with well-rotted compost. It improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
  • Cover Crops: Plant cover crops (like clover or vetch) in the off-season. They add organic matter, suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and can fix nitrogen in the soil.

Water Conservation

Every drop counts, especially in the garden.

  • Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves, wood chips) around your potato plants. Mulch conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
  • Efficient Irrigation: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Water in the early morning to reduce disease risk.

Natural Pest and Disease Control

Reduce reliance on chemicals with smart gardening techniques.

  • Companion Planting: Plant beneficial companions near your potatoes. Marigolds can deter nematodes, while nasturtiums might act as a trap crop for aphids. Bush beans can also be good neighbors.
  • Beneficial Insects: Encourage predatory insects (ladybugs, lacewings) by planting flowers that provide nectar and pollen.
  • Homemade Sprays: For minor pest outbreaks, consider homemade garlic or chili sprays as natural deterrents.
  • Disease-Resistant Varieties: Whenever possible, choose potato varieties known for their resistance to common diseases like blight or scab.
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Crop Rotation

This is a cornerstone of organic and sustainable gardening.

  • Long-Term Planning: Rotate potatoes (and other nightshades) to a different bed each year, ideally not returning to the same spot for at least 3-4 years. This breaks disease and pest cycles in the soil, preventing buildup.

By integrating these practices, you’re not just growing potatoes; you’re cultivating a thriving, resilient ecosystem in your backyard. It’s truly the best way to grow eco-friendly small potatoes called and enjoy their bounty guilt-free.

Harvesting & Storage: Enjoying Your Bounty

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Harvesting your small potatoes called is one of the most rewarding parts of the gardening journey. The process differs slightly depending on whether you’re aiming for “new potatoes” or slightly more mature “baby potatoes.”

When to Harvest

  • For New Potatoes: You can start “robbing” new potatoes about 60-90 days after planting, typically around the time the plants begin to flower. Gently feel around the base of the plant for small tubers. You can carefully dig a few without disturbing the main root system too much, allowing others to continue growing.
  • For Baby Potatoes (slightly larger): If you want slightly larger baby potatoes, wait until the foliage starts to yellow and die back, usually around 90-120 days. This indicates the plant is redirecting energy to the tubers.

How to Harvest

Harvesting requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the delicate skins.

  1. Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork, starting about 6-12 inches away from the main stem, to carefully loosen the soil around the plant.
  2. Lift Gently: Gently lift the entire plant (if harvesting all at once) or carefully probe for individual tubers.
  3. Brush Off Dirt: Brush off excess soil, but do not wash them if you plan to store them. Washing can remove the protective skin and encourage rot.
  4. Cure (Optional for New/Baby Potatoes, Recommended for Storage): For best storage, potatoes benefit from a curing period. Spread them in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This allows the skins to toughen and minor nicks to heal, improving storage life.

Storing Your Small Potatoes

Proper storage maximizes the freshness and longevity of your harvest.

  • Short-Term (New Potatoes): New potatoes with their delicate skins are best eaten fresh. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Long-Term (Baby Potatoes): For longer storage, after curing, store potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place (like a root cellar, basement, or unheated closet) at temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Avoid storing them with apples or onions, as these can emit ethylene gas, which encourages sprouting.

There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly harvested, homegrown small potatoes called. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Potatoes Called

Let’s tackle some common questions you might have about growing and enjoying these garden delights.

Can I grow small potatoes in containers?

Absolutely! Growing small potatoes called in containers is a fantastic option, especially for urban gardeners or those with limited space. Use large containers (10-15 gallons or larger), grow bags, or even old trash cans with drainage holes. Fill with good quality potting mix, plant your seed potatoes, and hill them as they grow. This method makes harvesting incredibly easy too!

What’s the difference between a “new potato” and just an immature regular potato?

From a botanical standpoint, a “new potato” is an immature regular potato, harvested early. The key distinction is often culinary and textural. New potatoes are specifically harvested for their delicate skin, creamy texture, and fresh flavor, rather than just being an undersized version of a mature potato. Some varieties are also naturally bred to stay smaller, but the term “new potato” generally refers to the early harvest of any variety.

Do I need to peel small potatoes before cooking?

One of the best benefits of small potatoes called is that their skins are so thin and tender, you almost never need to peel them! A good scrub under running water is usually all that’s required. The skin adds flavor, texture, and retains more nutrients.

My small potatoes are greening. What should I do?

Green potatoes are a sign of solanine, a natural toxin, due to sun exposure. The best course of action is prevention through proper hilling. If you find green spots, cut them off generously before cooking. For severely green potatoes, it’s best to discard them to be safe.

How do I know when my small potatoes are ready to harvest?

For true “new potatoes,” you can start checking around 60-90 days after planting, usually when the plants begin to flower. Gently feel around the base of the plant. For slightly larger “baby potatoes,” wait until the foliage starts to yellow and die back, typically around 90-120 days. This indicates the tubers are more developed.

Conclusion: Your Small Potato Adventure Awaits!

There you have it, fellow gardener! From understanding exactly what small potatoes called are to mastering the art of growing them, you now possess a wealth of knowledge to embark on your own baby spud adventure. These delightful tubers offer so much to the home gardener: quick rewards, incredible flavor, and the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, homegrown produce.

Remember, gardening is a journey of learning and discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties, try new techniques, and most importantly, enjoy the process. With the small potatoes called tips and comprehensive guide we’ve shared, you’re well-equipped to cultivate a truly rewarding crop.

So, grab your gardening gloves, prepare your soil, and get ready to enjoy the unparalleled taste of your very own small potatoes. Your kitchen (and your taste buds!) will thank you. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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