Idaho’s rich volcanic soil, mild summers, and cool nights create the perfect environment for growing amazing potatoes. As a longtime gardener in the Gem State, I’ve discovered that choosing the right varieties can make all the difference between an average harvest and a spectacular one.
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, these eight potato varieties will thrive in your Idaho garden and deliver delicious results at harvest time.
1. Russet Burbank – Idaho’s Famous Classic
The quintessential Idaho potato earned its reputation for good reason. These large, oblong tubers develop a rustic brown skin and fluffy white flesh that bakes to perfection.
Growing best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, Russets need consistent moisture during the growing season. I’ve found giving them a bit more space between plants—about 15 inches—results in larger potatoes.
Expect to harvest these beauties 120-140 days after planting, typically in late September in most Idaho gardens.
2. Yukon Gold – Buttery All-Purpose Favorite
With their distinctive golden flesh and buttery flavor, Yukon Golds have become a staple in my Idaho garden. These medium-sized potatoes mature earlier than Russets, usually ready for harvest in 70-90 days.
Unlike some varieties, Yukons perform remarkably well in Idaho’s clay-loam soils. Their shallow root system means they benefit from a thick layer of mulch to keep soil temperatures consistent during our hot summer days.
When cooking, their naturally creamy texture makes them perfect for mashing without adding much butter.
3. Red Norland – Early Season Beauty
For gardeners eager for the first potato harvest of the season, Red Norlands deliver satisfaction. Their bright red skin and white flesh make them visually striking, while their quick maturity—just 60-80 days—means early summer harvests.
Last summer, I planted these in raised beds where the soil warmed faster in spring. The results were spectacular, with harvests beginning in early July.
Though smaller than some varieties, their waxy texture holds shape perfectly when boiled, making them ideal for potato salads and roasting whole.
4. Purple Majesty – Colorful Antioxidant Powerhouse
Bringing dramatic color to Idaho gardens, these deep purple beauties contain the same antioxidants found in blueberries. The rich purple color extends throughout the flesh, creating stunning presentations on dinner plates.
My experience growing Purple Majesty in eastern Idaho has been excellent, with the cooler nights intensifying their color development. They require moderate watering and benefit from slightly more acidic soil than other varieties.
Medium-sized and ready in 85-95 days, they maintain their color when roasted but will turn the cooking water purple if boiled.
5. German Butterball – Award-Winning Storage Potato
Hailed for their incredible flavor and long storage life, German Butterballs have become my go-to late-season potato. Their lightly russeted golden skin protects a creamy yellow interior that lives up to the butterball name.
Growing these in Idaho’s northern regions produces exceptional results due to the cooler temperatures. They take about 100-120 days to mature but reward patience with yields that often store successfully until spring.
The flavor actually improves after curing for a few weeks, developing subtle nutty notes that make them outstanding for holiday mashed potatoes.
6. Fingerling – Gourmet Garden Delight
Resembling stubby fingers, these elongated small potatoes bring gourmet flair to Idaho gardens. Varieties like Russian Banana and French Fingerling offer nutty flavors and firm texture that holds up beautifully when roasted.
Despite their delicate appearance, fingerlings thrive in Idaho’s growing conditions. I’ve had remarkable success planting them in containers on my patio, where they produced abundant harvests with minimal space.
Harvesting typically occurs 90-120 days after planting, with each plant yielding clusters of 10-20 small potatoes perfect for roasting whole.
7. Kennebec – Disease-Resistant White Potato
For Idaho gardeners battling potato diseases, Kennebec offers hope with its impressive resistance to late blight and scab. These large, round to oblong white potatoes develop smooth skin and pure white flesh.
My western Idaho garden, which tends toward wetter conditions, has produced consistently excellent Kennebec harvests when other varieties struggled. Their vigorous plants grow quickly and can tolerate brief dry spells better than most varieties.
With 80-90 days to maturity and excellent storage qualities, they’re perfect for gardeners wanting one versatile potato that excels for frying, baking and mashing.
8. All Blue – Heritage Variety With Modern Appeal
Dating back to the 1700s, All Blue potatoes bring history and striking color to Idaho gardens. Their deep blue-purple skin and flesh maintain color when cooked, creating dramatic presentations on the plate.
Growing in the mineral-rich volcanic soils of southern Idaho enhances their nutritional profile. I’ve found they perform best with consistent moisture and benefit from slightly higher potassium fertilizer.
Medium-sized and ready to harvest in 90-110 days, All Blues store well through winter. Their slightly nutty flavor and medium-starchy texture make them versatile for both mashing and roasting.