The epidermal layer of the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) develops into a periderm during tuber ontogeny and plays a crucial role in protecting tubers from biotic/abiotic stress. Inadequate or improper development of periderm contributes to tuber skinning during harvest and transport. A compromise in this hydrophobic layer contributes to desiccation and loss of fresh weight. While periderm development is affected by multiple factors, there is evidence that soil-moisture level can influence the development of the periderm (Tyner, et al. 1997).  However, field studies dedicated to the development of the periderm across cultivar, as well as the role of soil-moisture and its interaction with cultivars in modulating periderm development are lacking.  Therefore we examined the development of the periderm across cultivar, from establishment to maturity as well as differences in physical characteristics and anatomical development across soil-moisture regimes.  Commercial cultivars (Russet Burbank, Alturas, Clearwater and Lazarus) were grown following cultivation practices specific to the pacific-northwest. After vine kill, they were treated according to three soil-moisture regimes, 60%, 70% and 80% of field capacity as well as a treatment that was harvested at vine kill. Anatomical differences characterized included number of phellem cells and phellem width. These traits were analyzed by using autofluorescence microscopy and staining of peridermal tissue with ruthenium red. The postharvest behavior of tubers differing in peridermal structure was examined by measuring changes in tensile strength and weight loss in storage. Our results indicate a significant effect of cultivar and grower practices on the development of the periderm. It is anticipated these results will have practical application to guide growers for best practices for managing periderm development and will contribute to the identification of molecular markers regulating periderm development.