Bield:Farm
Variety performance review

Russet Burbank in Pacific Northwest.

Performance Review 2026
PotatoesLate-season (130–150 days)commercialhome gardenUniversity Trial Data
Editorial independence

This review is based on independent university trial data and public extension publications, not seed-company marketing materials. Trial source for this review: WSU and University of Idaho potato variety trials.

Bield: Farm has no seed-company sponsorship. We do not earn affiliate commissions on seed sales.

Performance scorecard

Variety performance scorecard

Russet Burbank

Potatoes·Pacific Northwest·Non-GMO·Organic-approved
ExcellentUniversity Trial Data

Yield in Pacific Northwest

Yield not republished — see trial source for verified data.
Trial sourceWSU and University of Idaho potato variety trialswww.uidaho.edu/extension/topics/agriculture/potatoes

Disease resistance — relevant to Pacific Northwest

  • Late blightFair
  • Early blightFair
  • Verticillium wiltFair

Agronomic ratings

  • Drought tolerance
    Fair
  • Standability
    Good
  • Emergence
    Good
  • Winter hardiness
    N/A

Regional strengths

Russet Burbank is the dominant processing potato variety in the Pacific Northwest — Idaho and eastern Washington production is built around Russet Burbank for french fry processing. Long established performance under PNW irrigation systems and storage protocols.

Regional weaknesses

Russet Burbank is highly susceptible to late blight in wet years — fungicide programs are mandatory. Heat-stress during tuberization can cause significant quality issues including hollow heart and sugar ends; yield consistency depends on irrigation management. New-generation russets offer improved disease packages.

Recommended for

  • irrigated processing potato production
  • PNW commercial scale

Not recommended for

  • organic/no-fungicide systems
  • rain-fed humid regions outside the PNW
Seeding rate
Spacing-driven; ~2,000 lb/acre seed pieces typical
Best soil types
volcanic ash, alluvial loam

Where this data comes from

Potatoes variety trials in Pacific Northwest

Independent · Public University

These results come from independent university variety trials — not seed company marketing materials. Variety entries, planting dates, and harvest measurements are controlled by the trial program. Land-grant universities publish full results annually.

Trial reports are typically released in January–March of the year following harvest. For Potatoesvariety selection, the most recent year’s report is the most relevant data source.

Agronomic fit — Pacific Northwest

Best soil types
volcanic ash, alluvial loam
Maturity rating
Late-season (130–150 days)
Seeding rate
Spacing-driven; ~2,000 lb/acre seed pieces typical
Region growing season
200 days · 8–60" precip

Maritime west of the Cascades; semi-arid east of the Cascades. Soft white wheat dominates the Palouse; specialty crops dominate west-side valleys.

Trait package & sourcing

GMO statusNon-GMO
Organic-approvedYes
Seed companyMultiple — public variety
Data freshness
2024Last reviewed

Variety performance data changes as new genetics enter the market. Always consult your local extension service for the most current trial data — this is especially important for corn and soybean entries, where trait packages and disease ratings shift annually.

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