Potatoes in London

Solanum tuberosum

Potato
Potato · Solanum tuberosum

A staple root vegetable grown from seed potatoes, producing tubers underground. In the UK, potatoes are classified as first earlies, second earlies, or maincrop, each with different planting and harvesting times. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and require earthing up to protect tubers from light.

60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow indoors August, plant out August to September, harvest December to January. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Potato

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow potatoes in bags for a festive harvest in December. Plant in late summer and move indoors before frost.

  1. 01

    Chit Seed Potatoes

    2 Aug to 22 Aug

    Place seed potatoes eyes-up in egg boxes in a cool, light place from 2nd August - 22nd August. This encourages sturdy shoots over 4–6 weeks before planting.

  2. 02

    Plant in Bags

    22 Aug to 11 Sept

    Plant chitted potatoes in large bags or containers from 22nd August - 11th September. Use compost and plant deep. Space bags in a sunny spot outdoors.

  3. 03

    Earth Up and Water

    22 Sept to 24 Nov

    Add compost to earth up the stems as they grow from 22nd September - 24th November. Water regularly to keep the compost moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

  4. 04

    Move Indoors

    27 Oct to 10 Nov

    Move the bags into a frost-free greenhouse or shed from 27th October - 10th November before the first autumn frost. This protects the plants and allows continued growth.

  5. 05

    Harvest for Christmas

    30 Dec to 29 Jan

    Harvest potatoes as needed from 30th December - 29th January. Gently rummage in the bags to lift fresh tubers for festive meals. They won't store long, so use promptly.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Potato.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Potato to consider

Charlotte

A popular salad potato with waxy, yellow flesh that holds its shape well when boiled. It's reliable in UK conditions and produces a good crop of uniform tubers.

Maris Piper

A classic maincrop variety that's widely grown for its versatility and good blight resistance. It's excellent for roasting, chipping and mashing.

Rocket

An early variety that produces quick crops of white-fleshed potatoes, often ready by June. It's a good choice for gardeners wanting new potatoes early in the season.

King Edward

A heritage maincrop with distinctive pink eyes and floury white flesh that's ideal for baking and roasting. It stores well and performs reliably across the UK.

Pink Fir Apple

An unusual heritage variety with long, knobbly tubers and waxy, flavoursome flesh. It's prized for salads and holds up well in cooler UK summers.

Cara

A red-skinned maincrop with good resistance to common scab and drought tolerance. It produces large, floury tubers that are good for baking and mashing.

Potato guides by town

See how Potato timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.