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Kennebec Potato

Solanum tuberosum 'Kennebec'

The ultimate all-purpose potato that excels at everything from fluffy baked potatoes to crispy French fries, making it a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. This reliable variety produces excellent yields of smooth, white-skinned potatoes with outstanding storage qualities. Known for its disease resistance and adaptability, Kennebec is perfect for gardeners seeking a dependable, versatile potato variety.

Harvest

80-100d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

so-LAN-num too-ber-OH-sum

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Kennebec Potato in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 root-vegetable →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Kennebec Potato · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-15 inches apart, rows 30-36 inches apart

SoilWell-drained, loose, fertile soil with good organic matter

pH5.0-6.5

Water1-2 inches per week, avoid overwatering near harvest

SeasonCool to warm season

FlavorMild, classic potato flavor with fluffy, dry texture when cooked

ColorLight tan to white skin, white flesh

Size3-5 inches long, medium to large

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	July – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	June – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	June – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	May – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: so-LAN-num too-ber-OH-sum. Soil: High Organic Matter, Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Root Cutting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Potato plants will sometimes produce a round, smooth, yellowish-green to a green berry that is 0.5 inches in diameter and is filled with many seeds. EXTREMELY TOXIC, DO NOT EAT.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: The tubers are edible but discard sprouts and never eat tubers if they look spoiled or green below the skin. All the green parts of the plant contain a toxin known as solanine and should not be ingested. Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place for three to four months. Potato tubers can be boiled, baked, fried, or roasted as a vegetable. They may also be processed to produce potato flour. potato chips, vodka, and schnapps.

Storage & Preservation

Cure Kennebecs in a dark, well-ventilated area at 60-65°F for 10-14 days to toughen skins for long-term storage. Once cured, store in perforated paper bags or ventilated boxes in a cool (38-40°F), dark location with 85-90% humidity—a basement or root cellar works perfectly. Properly stored Kennebecs keep 4-6 months, making them excellent winter keepers.

For preservation, Kennebecs excel at freezing when blanched and cut into fries or chunks—their low moisture content prevents mushiness. They can beautifully for soups and stews, maintaining their shape well. Dehydrate thin slices at 125°F for homemade potato chips, or shred and dehydrate for hash brown mix. Avoid refrigerating fresh Kennebecs as cold temperatures convert starches to sugars, affecting flavor and causing dark frying results.

History & Origin

Origin: South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Rabbits
+Attracts: Bees
+Wildlife value: The flowers are pollinated by insects and bumblebees.

Considerations

-Toxic (Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Stems): High severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel Colorado potato beetles and nematodes, reduce soil pests

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for Colorado potato beetles and aphids, repel squash bugs

Horseradish

Repels Colorado potato beetles and improves disease resistance

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil, improving potato growth and yield

Corn

Provides windbreak and shade, compatible root systems

Cabbage

Different nutrient needs, helps maximize garden space efficiency

Chives

Repel aphids and may improve potato flavor and growth

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients

Keep Apart

Tomatoes

Same family as potatoes, share diseases like blight and attract same pests

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds inhibit potato growth and development

Fennel

Strong allelopathic effects that stunt potato growth and development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

41kcal(2%)

Protein

0.93g(2%)

Fiber

2.8g(10%)

Carbs

9.58g(3%)

Fat

0.24g(0%)

Vitamin C

5.9mg(7%)

Vitamin A

835mcg(93%)

Vitamin K

13.2mcg(11%)

Iron

0.3mg(2%)

Calcium

33mg(3%)

Potassium

320mg(7%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170393)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent resistance to late blight, good scab resistance, moderate virus resistance

Common Pests

Colorado potato beetle, aphids, wireworms, flea beetles

Diseases

Early blight, blackleg, common scab (mild)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Kennebec potato take to grow?▼

Kennebec potatoes take 80-100 days from planting to full maturity. You can harvest small 'new potatoes' at 10 weeks for immediate eating, but wait for full maturity if you want potatoes that store well through winter. The exact timing depends on your climate and growing conditions.

Is Kennebec potato good for beginners?▼

Yes, Kennebec is excellent for beginning gardeners. It's naturally disease-resistant, tolerates various soil conditions, produces reliable yields, and forgives minor care mistakes better than finicky varieties. Its straightforward growing requirements and proven track record make it one of the most dependable choices for first-time potato growers.

Can you grow Kennebec potatoes in containers?▼

Absolutely! Kennebec potatoes grow well in large containers (at least 20 gallons) or potato grow bags. Use loose, well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes. You can still hill the soil as plants grow, and container growing actually makes harvesting easier while preventing many soil-borne diseases.

What does Kennebec potato taste like?▼

Kennebec has a classic, mild potato flavor with a fluffy, dry texture when cooked. It's not as earthy as fingerlings or as creamy as waxy varieties—instead, it offers that familiar, versatile potato taste that works well in any dish. The texture is perfect for absorbing flavors from seasonings and sauces.

When should I plant Kennebec potatoes?▼

Plant Kennebec seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before your last expected frost date when soil temperature reaches 45°F. In most areas, this means late March to early May. The soil should be workable but not soggy—planting in waterlogged soil can cause seed pieces to rot before sprouting.

Kennebec vs Yukon Gold potatoes - what's the difference?▼

Kennebec has white skin and flesh with a fluffier, drier texture, while Yukon Gold has yellow skin and creamy flesh. Kennebec stores much longer (4-6 months vs 2-3 months) and has superior disease resistance. Yukon Gold offers richer flavor and better mashing qualities, but Kennebec is more versatile for frying and baking.