Gina, do you know anyone locally that grows potatoes, or maybe you could contact your county extension service, for recommendations about when to plant? Although I'm also in a much different climate, somehow planting in July in zone 9 doesn't sound right to me...
Karen -- I grew the German Butterballs last year for the first time and loved them; they have a somewhat golden flesh (like Yukon Gold), and even the largest ones that I got (which were pretty darn big) were perfectly solid throughout, without any hollow brown centers. The skins are slightly rough ("russeted"), and this variety seems particularly excellent for mashed potatoes and was great for using in any way. They are my new absolute favorite variety!
