---
title: "How to Harvest Potatoes: A Complete Guide"
description: "Learn the best time and methods to harvest potatoes, whether you want tender new potatoes or mature tubers. Get tips for proper digging, preventing damage, and ideal storage."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/harvesting/potatoes"
published: "2026-02-09T12:39:26.651Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T08:39:07.913Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/yOO-WkIkSJSlgc8UKQf1IA.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Harvest Potatoes: A Complete Guide

## Harvesting Potatoes

Potatoes can be harvested at different stages depending on whether you want tender new potatoes or fully mature tubers for storage. Harvesting at the right time helps prevent damage and improves keeping quality.

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/VwS-2k8SQJi3Y_jyg4OqFA.webp?size=large)

## Care instructions

1. **Harvest at the desired stage.**  
   Potatoes can be harvested early as “new potatoes” once the plants have finished flowering and tubers are small and tender. For full-sized potatoes, wait until the foliage turns yellow and dies back.
2. **Choose dry conditions.**  
   Harvest potatoes on a dry day if possible. Wet soil increases the risk of rot and makes tubers harder to clean and store.
3. **Harvest during cooler hours.**  
   Dig potatoes in the morning or early evening to reduce heat stress and prevent sun damage.
4. **Dig carefully.**  
   Use a garden fork or your hands to loosen the soil well away from the plant, then gently lift the tubers. Potatoes bruise and cut easily.
5. **Avoid sun exposure.**  
   Do not leave harvested potatoes in direct sunlight. Sun exposure can cause greening, which makes potatoes bitter and unsafe to eat.
6. **Cure if fully mature.**  
   For mature potatoes, allow them to dry in a dark, well-ventilated place for a few days to toughen the skins before storage.
7. **Store properly after harvesting.**  
   Store potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place. Avoid refrigeration, which can affect flavor and texture.

## Frequently asked questions

### When should I harvest new potatoes?

You can harvest new potatoes once the plant has finished flowering and the tubers are small and tender. This is an early stage of harvesting.

### When is the right time to harvest full-sized potatoes?

For full-sized potatoes, wait until the plant's foliage turns yellow and dies back. This indicates the tubers are mature and ready.

### How do I harvest potatoes without damaging them?

Use a garden fork or your hands to loosen the soil gently, well away from the plant. Carefully lift the tubers, as potatoes can bruise and cut easily.

### Why shouldn't harvested potatoes be left in direct sunlight?

Direct sun exposure can cause potatoes to turn green, which makes them bitter and unsafe to eat. Store them away from light immediately after harvesting.

### How should I store potatoes after harvesting?

Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can affect their flavor and texture.

## How to Harvest Potatoes

1. Harvest at the desired stage: for new potatoes, once plants finish flowering; for full-sized, when foliage yellows and dies back.
2. Choose dry conditions for harvesting to reduce the risk of rot and make cleaning easier.
3. Dig potatoes during the morning or early evening to minimize heat stress and sun damage.
4. Dig carefully using a garden fork or your hands, loosening the soil well away from the plant before gently lifting the tubers.
5. Avoid sun exposure by not leaving harvested potatoes in direct sunlight, which can cause greening.
6. Cure mature potatoes by allowing them to dry in a dark, well-ventilated place for a few days to toughen their skins.
7. Store potatoes properly in a cool, dark, dry place, avoiding refrigeration.

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_Source: Planta (https://getplanta.com), the plant care app for iOS and Android. Download the app: https://getplanta.com/download_