9 Blue and Purple Potato Varieties to Try This Growing Season
Tired of growing the same old potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in your garden? Why not give these 9 blue and purple potato varieties a try this growing season? Most varieties originated in South America and their color in both the skin and flesh comes from the same anthocyanin pigments found in blackberries, concord grapes, and red cabbage.
Caring for Blue Potatoes
Unless addressed specifically, the planting and care of blue and purple potatoes are the same as white or gold-flesh potatoes in the garden or in containers. Purchase seed potatoes at a home and garden center. They may not have some cultivars but search online seed companies and you'll find a great variety. They are susceptible to the same pests and diseases and are harvested in the same manner.
When selecting blue potatoes for the garden, chose the cultivars that are best for your growing conditions and read the information provided with the seed potatoes. What size potato will be produced? What is the growing time from planting to harvesting? Consult your local state agricultural extension office for great information about what grows best in your locality.
All Blue
Also called 'Purple Marker,' 'All Blue' is a medium-sized potato with blue skin and blue flesh. An extra-late maturing potato, this high-yielding plant has beautiful blue flowers.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 24-36 inches
Days to Maturity: 120
Adirondack Blue
Courtesy of Hudson Valley Seed Company
'Adirondack Blue' has been tested by Cornell University and the University of Florida Extension and declared a good choice for the home gardener. Glistening blue skin encloses deep blue flesh without a white vascular ring seen in similar varieties. The plants are strong and provide good mid-season yields.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 18-24 inches
Days to Maturity: 90
Blaue (blue) St. Galler
Vladimir Mironov/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus
'Blaue St. Galler' is the result of the cross made in 1995 between 'Blaue Schweden' and 'Prättigauer' in Flawil, Switzerland. The tubers have a long shape with eyes at a medium depth
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 18-24 inches
Days to Maturity: 9-12 weeks
Blue Tomcat
Courtesy of the Kenosha Potato Project
'Blue Tomcat' is an heirloom large fingerling potato with very dark blue skin and blue flesh. It matures late in the growing season.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 24-36 inches
Days to Maturity: 101 - 110
Magic Molly
Courtesy of High Mowing Seeds
'Magic Molly' is a purple-skinned fingerling potato with dark purple flesh. The larger-than-normal fingerling-shaped tubers retain their color when boiled.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 12-20"
Days to Maturity: 75
Peruvian Purple
Photo: Marie Iannotti
An heirloom variety, 'Peruvian Purple' originated in the highlands of the Andes Mountains. The 2.5-3.5-inch tubers have deep purple flesh that retains its color when roasted or fried.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 24-36 inches
Days to Maturity: 100-120 days
Purple Majesty
Courtesy of Guernys
'Purple Majesty' lives up to its name with dark wine-colored skins and succulent purple flesh. The tubers are sweet and have a buttery flavor.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 18-24 inches
Days to Maturity: 80-100
Purple Pelisse
Courtesy of the Potato Variety Management Institute
'Purple Pelisse' is a mid-season fingerling variety that has dark purple skin and flesh. The potato retains its bright purple color and doesn't turn brown when cut.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 18 inches
Days to Maturity: 80 days
Vitelotte
Massimo Ravera/ Moment/ Getty Images
A French variety, 'Vitelotte' has dark violet-blue flesh and skin that is almost black. it is often called the "Chinese truffle" because the skin is so dark. The potato retains its color during cooking and has the nutty flavor and scent of chestnuts.
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Light: Full sun, 6-8 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
Mature Size: 18 inches
Days to Maturity: 9-12 weeks
Additional Tips for Growing Potatoes
If you would like to grow purple potatoes, you should plant seed potatoes once soil temperatures are consistently 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Seed potatoes of heirloom blue and purple varieties will be difficult to find in most home and garden centers but can be purchased online.
