Red Pontiac vs Red Norland Potatoes: Which variety is best?

Red Norland Potatoes

Red Pontiac Potatoes

Red Norland and Red Pontiac are two of the most common potatoes grown for new potatoes in Maine gardens. Although they are similar in both appearance and flavor, there are some differences between the two. 


Red Pontiac

• Red Pontiac Potatoes have firmer flesh. This means they always hold their shape when boiling. Norland potatoes tend to crack or split and often become mealy when cooked. For the perfect new potato hash, or for adding to potato salads, Red Pontiac is a must.
• Red Pontiac Potatoes tend be remain smaller and retain the new potato flavor longer. If you enjoy eating new potatoes, try Red Pontiac and you will enjoy their delicate flavor for weeks.
• Red Pontiac Potatoes have deeper eyes making them more difficult to peel, but that's not an issue when you are eating new potatoes.
• Red Pontiac potatoes take 80 days or more to reach maturity.

Red Norland

• Early maturing and produce new potatoes earlier than Red Pontiac. Red Norland produce new potatoes a week or two earlier than Red Pontiac.
• Shallow eyes make them easy to peel.
• May be a good option for mashed potatoes, but are not as good for making new potato hash or for use in potato salads due to the soft flesh.
• Produce large potatoes and grow out of the new potato stage quickly.

I personally love Red Pontiac Potatoes because I enjoy eating new potatoes. Red Norland is my second choice if Red Pontiac isn't available. If you chose to grow Red Norland Potatoes, use care when boiling them as they turn to mush quickly if they are overcooked.