The development of new vegetable varieties is rapid, especially with hundreds of new options tested annually by research institutions. But in the world of potatoes, change tends to come more slowly—many popular varieties have been around for decades. For Calgary gardeners, understanding the best potato varieties for our unique climate can make all the difference.
Growing Potatoes in Calgary’s Climate
Key Considerations:
- Adaptation to Short Growing Seasons: Many new potato varieties are bred for longer growing seasons found in Europe or the U.S., which may not suit Calgary’s shorter summers. Look for varieties known to mature quickly and perform well in cooler, shorter seasons.
- Hardiness and Stress Tolerance: Choose varieties that tolerate our typical weather—cold snaps, drought, wind, and early frosts. Some varieties are more resilient to low temperatures and drought stress, making them ideal for prairie gardens.
- Disease Resistance: Common issues include scab, potato beetles, and other pests. Selecting resistant varieties can save time and effort. For example, some newer varieties show higher resistance to common scab and potato pests.
- Storage & Shelf Life: In Calgary, a shorter dormant period and good storage qualities are important. Look for varieties that retain their flavor, appearance, and texture over several months. This is especially crucial given our unpredictable frosts in fall.
Selecting the Right Potato Variety
What to Ask Yourself:
- Will it grow well in Calgary’s climate?
Many older varieties, like those developed in colder regions, tend to perform better here. Check for varieties that are known to mature quickly and tolerate cooler temperatures. - What is the end use?
Are you baking, boiling, frying, or making mash? Different varieties excel at different uses, so choose accordingly. For example, some potatoes are better for boiling and salads, while others are ideal for baking or frying. - How much space and care can you provide?
Some varieties grow large vines and need extra space and staking, while others stay smaller and are easier to manage in a backyard.
Growing Tips for Calgary Gardeners
- Start with certified seed potatoes.
This ensures disease-free, high-quality planting material suited for our environment. Avoid using leftover potatoes from the grocery store—they’re often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases. - Plant early.
Aim for early planting in late April or early May, depending on the weather, to maximize the growing season before the first fall frost. - Choose the right location.
Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot protected from harsh wind. Use windbreaks like native shrubs or evergreens to shield your plants. - Soil preparation is key.
Add compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. Potatoes love rich, loose soil with good drainage. - Water consistently.
Calgary’s dry climate means regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and keep soil temperature stable. - Watch for pests and disease.
Regularly inspect plants for potato beetles and signs of scab or other diseases. Use resistant varieties and practice crop rotation to keep pests at bay.
Harvest and Storage
- Timing:
Harvest when plants start to yellow and die back, typically in late August to early September, before the first hard frost. - Storage:
Store potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Many varieties retain their quality for several months if stored properly. Red-skinned varieties tend to fade faster in storage, so choose newer, resistant varieties for longer shelf life.
Popular Varieties for Calgary Gardens
- Early Matures:
Look for varieties labeled as “early” or “short-season,” such as Norland or Viking, which mature quickly and tolerate cold. - Resistant & Hardy:
Varieties like Yukon Gold or Chieftain are known for good flavor and resilience to Calgary’s climate. - Specialty & Heritage:
Older varieties like Red Pontiac and German Wine can add flavor diversity but may require extra care and protection.
| Plant Vigour | Maturity | Dormancy | Strengths | Limitations | Uses | ||
|
Red Skinned
|
Norland | Medium | Early | Short | Early, good yields, stress resistance | Oversize, colour fades in storage | Boil & Bake |
| Viking | Medium | Early | Medium | Early, stress resistance | Oversize, non-uniform tubers | Boil | |
| Pontiac | Strong | Late | Medium | Skin anf flesh colour, flavour | Late, non-uniform tubers, scab sensitive | Boil | |
| AC Peregrine Red | Medium | Medium | Long | Skin and flesh colour, uniform size, fresh after storage | Late, small tubers | Boil | |
|
Russets
|
Russet Norkotah | Medium | Early | Medium | High yields, uniform tuber size | Disease sensitivity and lack of flavour | Bake |
| Russet Burbank | Strong | Late | Long | Flavour, earliness, multi-purpose | Late, tuber deformities under stress | Bake & Fry | |
| Shepody | Medium | Medium | Long | Flavour, earliness, multi-purpose | Disease sensitivity, large tubers | Bake, Fry, Boil | |
| Goldrush | Medium | Medium | Medium | High yields, scab resistance | Less uniform that Norkotah | Bake | |
| AC Pacific Russet | Medium | Medium | Medium | High yields, uniform tuber size, flavour | Limited seed supplies | Bake | |
|
White Skinned
|
Carlton | Medium | Early | Short | Very early | Tends to oversize and crack | Boil |
| AC Ptarmigan | Medium | Early | Medium | Early, high yields | Tends to oversize | Boil & Fry | |
| Superior | Medium | Medium | Medium | Uniformity and early yields, multipurpose | Moderate yields and some disease sensitivity | Bake, Fry, Boil | |
|
Yellow Fleshed
|
Yukon Gold | Medium | Early | Long | High yields, good flavour | Poor seedling vigour, greening and oversize | Boil & Bake |
| Banana | Weak | Late | Medium | Novel shape | Poor vigour and yields | Boil & Bake | |
| Alpha | Strong | Late | Long | Uniformity | Lateness | Boil | |
| Bintie | Medium | Medium | Long | Flavour, uniformity | Small tubor size | Bake, Fry, Boil |
