Austrian Crescent Potato

Be sure to check out our Potato Growing Guide for more tips & tricks on successfully growing potatoes in your garden.

Austrian Crescent Potato is a preferred variety among many chefs and food connoisseurs. This heirloom variety produces elongated potatoes that are on the larger end of the fingerling-type spectrum. The thin skins are light brown with a golden-yellow, buttery inside. Austrian Crescent Potato stores well and has a wide variety of applications in the kitchen. For many, Austrian Crescent is the go-to variety for potato salads and chowders, but can be fried, roasted or baked as well.

Irish potatoes are a late, cool-weather crop and should be planted in late winter or early spring while temperatures are still relatively cool. Potatoes will not perform well during the heat of summer and should be harvested before temperatures significantly warm. Before planting, cut seed potatoes into smaller pieces leaving at least one to two "eyes" or buds per piece. For best results, cut the potatoes several days before the intended planting date. This will allow the potato pieces to "heal" or suberize, which will help to prevent any fungal infection of the seed potato after planting.

To plant potatoes, make a furrow or small trench along the intended row. The Hoss Double Wheel Hoe with Plow Set attachment is the ideal tool for making a furrow. Once the furrow is created, lay the seed potatoes in the furrow with the "eyes" facing upward. Seed potatoes may be spaced 8-12" apart along the furrow. Cover the seed potatoes with dirt by closing the furrow. As they grow, potatoes should be hilled or mounded with soil. This can easily be done with the Plow Set attachment in the hilling position. Plants should be hilled so that almost all of the plant is covered with soil, leaving a few leaves at the top uncovered. Harvest potatoes when plants start to wilt and die. Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place and will typically store for several months after harvest.