How to Grow Potato in New Zealand
Plant certified seed potatoes rather than supermarket ones. Mound soil up the stems as they grow to stop the tubers greening, and harvest once the tops die back. Watch for tomato/potato psyllid, the main NZ potato pest, and protect early plantings with fine mesh.
When to plant potato in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | August, September, October |
| Auckland | August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | August, September, October |
| Wellington | August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August, September, October |
| Canterbury | August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | August, September, October |
| Central Otago | August, September, October |
Best potato varieties for NZ
- Jersey Benne — Classic early waxy potato, great for salads and boiling; plant first. (Tui, Mitre 10, garden centres (seed potatoes, late winter))
- Rua — All-purpose maincrop with white flesh; dependable heavy cropper. (Tui, Mitre 10, garden centres)
- Agria — Yellow-fleshed maincrop, brilliant for mash, roasting and chips. (Tui, Mitre 10, garden centres)
- Ilam Hardy — Early all-purpose floury potato with white flesh. (Tui, garden centres)
How to grow potato
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 10cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow potato near: Beans, Nasturtium, Marigold, Corn.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Tomato/potato psyllid, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant potato in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy potato seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Tui, Mitre 10, garden centres (seed potatoes.