Estimated Maturity date is 80-100 days.

The original or “regular” Pontiac potato was developed in the late 1930s as a cross between an old English potato named “Triumph” and a Maine potato called “Katahdin.” I’ve never seen the regular Pontiac but it is described as having white flesh as did its parents but with a buffed reddish skin similar to Triumph. The “Red Pontiac” selection with its bright red skin came out as a mutation found in Southern field tests in the early 1940s.

I like several things about the Red Pontiac potato aside from its interesting pedigree. In particular, I like its imperfections. If grown to maturity the tubers vary in size and shape. They are mostly round but oblong ones show up too. The surface of the spud is dotted with shallow eyes and subtle nobs that don’t quite become noses. In short, these potatoes look like they have character in comparison to the perfectly shaped, winkle-free Burbank bakers.

Growing Tips
Potatoes can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in the early spring, but you must use good judgment. Potato plants will not begin to grow until the soil temperature has reached 45 degrees F. The soil should be evenly moist, but not wet or soggy. If the soil is water logged when you dig, not only will you risk “caking” the soil, your seed Potatos will probably rot before they even get started. Potatos can tolerate a light frost, but you should provide some frost-protection for the plants when they are young. This can be a loose covering of straw, or a temporary plastic tent. (Be sure to remove or ventilate the plastic on sunny days!) If you plan to store Potatos through the winter, you can plant a second crop as late as June 15.