Description
German Butterball potatoes are a yellow-fleshed, mid-to-late season potato known for their creamy, buttery flavor, ideal for baking or boiling. Plant seed potatoes in early spring (roughly 45°F soil) about 2-3 inches deep and 12 inches apart in loose, well-draining soil, ensuring regular hilling to protect developing tubers from sun.
- Planting: Plant whole tubers or cut pieces (with 2-3 eyes) 6-12 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart, 2-3 inches deep, usually in early to mid-spring.
- Soil & Fertilizer: Thrive in fertile, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Add compost to improve, but avoid heavy manure.
- Hilling: As plants grow 6-8 inches tall, pull soil up around the base (hilling). Repeat 1-3 times to prevent potatoes from turning green.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Increase watering significantly once plants flower and start forming tubers.
- Harvesting: “New” potatoes can be harvested 7-8 weeks after planting. For full-sized storage potatoes, wait until foliage dies back in late summer, then leave in the ground for 1-2 weeks to cure.
- Spacing: Requires significant space due to its vigorous growth, typically 12 inches between plants.
Smart Gardener +4
German Butterball is highly rated for its thick skin, which makes it an excellent variety for winter storage. They are versatile in the kitchen, described as having a dry, dense texture that becomes creamy when cooked.




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