Eyes are shallow and well distributed. It produces high yields of attractive tubers and is widely adapted. Tubers are usually oblong to round, medium thick and typically smoother than those of either Red LaSoda or Red Pontiac. Tubers separate easily from stolons and have a short dormancy. Chieftain is moderately resistant to scab and net necrosis caused by current season leaf roll.
Tubers tend to skin during harvest and handling.
Round tubers with deep red skin color which holds well in storage. Smooth tubers with shallow eyes. Yields are low to medium with a high percentage of U.S. No. 1 tubers. Tubers are attractive, especially those of the dark-red variant. Norland is susceptible to occasional growth cracks and internal brown sport.