The time for potatoes to be grown depends mainly on the local climatic conditions, especially the soil temperature.
In China, the timing of potato cultivation varies greatly depending on regional differences.
The northern and northwest one-season cropping areas, such as northeast, Gansu, Qinghai and other places, are usually planted from mid to late April to early May in spring, when the valley rains in the 24 solar terms and before the beginning of summer. Due to the climatic conditions in these regions, only one crop of potatoes can usually be grown a year.
In the Central Plains and central and southern regions, such as Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei and other places, the planting time of potatoes is divided into spring and autumn. Spring planting is generally from February to March, that is, after the rain in the 24 solar terms, before the sting, while autumn planting is in August, that is, after the beginning of autumn and before the summer of the summer.
For central and southern provinces such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the planting time of potatoes can be from January to February (after the cold to before the beginning of spring) and September (after the white dew to before the autumn equinox). The climate during these times is suitable for the growth of potatoes.
In the southern winter cropping areas, such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, Guizhou and other places, it is common to use the gap to plant a season of potatoes after the rice harvest in autumn, generally sowing from mid to late October to November (after frost falls to before the beginning of winter), and then harvested from February to March of the following year.
Potato cultivation also requires attention to choosing the right soil, which is usually loose, well-drained, and rich in nutrients.
Preparing the soil before planting and applying the right amount of basal fertilizer can improve the yield and quality of potatoes. After potato planting, it is necessary to pay attention to regular watering, keep the soil moist, and fertilize moderately, especially during the vigorous period of potato growth, to ensure sufficient nutrients**.
Potatoes need plenty of sunlight to ensure their normal growth and development.