Container Potato Fertilizer Dashboard

Complete nutrition guide for maximum size, taste, and yield

16-Week Fertilizer Schedule

Potato Fertilizer Timeline

Select a week to view details

Click on any week in the timeline above to see detailed fertilizer information.

Container Setup Calculator

Complete Nutrient Guide

NPK Requirements by Growth Stage

Macronutrients (NPK)

Nitrogen (N)

Essential for foliage growth and protein synthesis

Timing: High in early growth, moderate during tuber formation
Deficiency: Yellow leaves, stunted growth
Sources: Urea, fish emulsion, blood meal

Phosphorus (P)

Critical for root development and tuber formation

Timing: Critical during tuber initiation and early bulking
Deficiency: Purple leaf edges, poor root development
Sources: Bone meal, rock phosphate, MAP, DAP

Potassium (K)

Essential for tuber quality, size, and disease resistance

Timing: Highest need during tuber bulking stage
Deficiency: Leaf browning, small tubers
Sources: Potassium sulfate, kelp meal, wood ash

Secondary Nutrients

Calcium (Ca) - 11%

Cell wall strength, disease resistance

Deficiency: Apical necrosis, poor storage quality

Magnesium (Mg) - 2%

Chlorophyll formation, enzyme activation

Deficiency: Yellowing between leaf veins

Sulfur (S) - 12%

Protein synthesis, oil formation

Deficiency: Overall yellowing, reduced growth

Micronutrients

Boron (B) - 0.08%

Prevents hollow heart, cell wall formation

Zinc (Zn) - 0.2%

Growth regulation, enzyme activation

Manganese (Mn) - 0.2%

Photosynthesis, enzyme activation

Recommended Fertilizer Products

Organic Options

Espoma Organic

Products: Garden-Tone, Plant-Tone

NPK: 3-4-4 to 5-3-3

Application: Slow release, mix into soil

Jobe's Organics

Products: Vegetable & Tomato Fertilizer

NPK: 2-5-3

Application: Granular, with beneficial microbes

Down to Earth

Products: Vegetable Garden Mix, Bio-Fish

NPK: 4-4-4 to 7-4-4

Application: Granular and liquid options

FoxFarm

Products: Grow Big, Tiger Bloom

NPK: 6-4-4 (Grow), 2-8-4 (Bloom)

Application: Liquid concentrate

Synthetic Options

Miracle-Gro

Products: Tomato Plant Food, All Purpose

NPK: 18-18-21 to 24-8-16

Application: Water-soluble, every 2 weeks

Scotts

Products: Osmocote Smart-Release

NPK: 14-14-14

Application: Slow release granules

Best Practices for Maximum Results

🥔 For Maximum Size

  • Ensure consistent watering throughout tuber bulking
  • Provide high potassium during weeks 8-12
  • Use larger containers (20+ gallons for max size)
  • Maintain optimal pH 5.5-6.0
  • Hill properly to give tubers room to grow

👅 For Best Taste

  • Use organic fertilizers when possible
  • Ensure adequate calcium and magnesium
  • Provide proper curing after harvest
  • Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
  • Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging

📈 For Maximum Yield

  • Start with quality seed potatoes
  • Follow fertilization schedule precisely
  • Use containers minimum 30cm wide and deep
  • Provide 6-8 hours daily sunlight
  • Hill progressively as plants grow
  • Monitor and adjust feeding based on plant response

Soil Requirements

pH Range: 5.5-6.0
Composition: 75% quality potting soil + 25% compost
Drainage: Must have drainage holes
Organic Matter: 25-30% minimum

Growth Stage Tracker

Pre-Planting (Week 0)

Pending

Prepare soil mix with base fertilizer and compost

  • Mix 15-15-15 fertilizer into soil
  • Add 25% compost to potting soil
  • Ensure pH is 5.5-6.0

Planting (Week 1)

Pending

Plant seed potatoes and initial feeding

  • Plant seed potatoes 4-6 inches deep
  • Apply balanced fertilizer with micronutrients
  • Begin regular watering schedule

Emergence (Week 2)

Pending

First shoots appear, begin liquid feeding

  • Look for green shoots breaking soil
  • Start high-nitrogen liquid feeding
  • Keep soil consistently moist

Vegetative Growth (Week 4-6)

Pending

Rapid foliage growth, begin hilling

  • Plants reach 6+ inches tall
  • Begin first hilling around stems
  • Continue high-nitrogen feeding

Flowering & Tuber Formation (Week 8-10)

Pending

Critical period for tuber development

  • Watch for flower buds and blooms
  • Switch to high phosphorus & potassium
  • Maintain consistent moisture

Tuber Bulking (Week 10-14)

Pending

Peak nutrient demand period

  • Maximum potassium feeding
  • Weekly liquid applications
  • Monitor for yellowing foliage

Pre-Harvest (Week 14-16)

Pending

Prepare for harvest

  • Reduce or stop feeding
  • Foliage begins to yellow and die back
  • Test dig for tuber maturity