Guides

Growing Guide

STORAGE
After purchase, carefully empty seed potato contents into shallow boxes or trays. Egg boxes or apple trays are ideal. Store in a cool area but protect from frost.

1. CHITTING
Two weeks before planting move the potatoes into natural light and a temperature of about 10°C (50°F). Sprouts should appear. This step is optional, but may improve grow time. The potatoes may turn green when exposed to light, this is normal. Protect from frost.

2. PLANTING
Dig your potato plot in Autumn or Spring so the potatoes can easily be planted once soil temperatures are over 8°C. Large or high yield varieties may need larger drills than other varieties of the same maturity. Adjust your drill dimensions accordingly to account for the varieties typical yield, the time you plan to grow them for, and the weather, where better growing weather may increase expected yield and the size and spacing of drills.

Maturity Depth Width Margin Space
First Early 15cm / 6” 60cm / 24” 30cm / 12” 25cm / 10”
Salad 15cm / 6” 60cm / 24” 30cm / 12” 25cm / 10”
Second Early 15cm / 6” 70cm / 28” 35cm / 14” 30cm / 12”
Maincrop 15cm / 6” 70cm / 28” 35cm / 14” 37cm / 15”

 

3. GROWING
When potatoes have emerged a few inches, pull earth around the plant with a rake, leaving peaked rows. Earthing-up gives the plant more soil to grow in, stops sunlight turning exposed tubers green, and improves drainage. It is also a quick and effective way of controlling weeds. Repeat the process as required, until the foliage is too big. Use frost blankets, tunnels, or greenhousing to protect your crop from frost.

4. HARVEST
First Earlies are best enjoyed when they are small and fresh in June/July/August and Second Earlies follow on. Maincrop varieties are best left until October for size and skin set. Once the Maincrop foliage has died back the potatoes should be left in the ground for 2-3 weeks to allow the skins to set, ready for storing. Before harvesting, carefully scrape away some soil and check the potatoes have grown to the size that you like.

 


Culinary Guide

Baking Boiling Chipping Mashing Roasting Salad Plant Date Harvest Date Grow Time
  Acoustic April-May July-Sept 13-17 Weeks
  Anya April-May July-Sept 18-22 weeks
  Caledonian Pearl March-April June-Aug 12-14 Weeks
  Caledonian Rose April-May Sept-Oct 27-31 weeks
  Cara April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Casablanca March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Charlotte March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  Desiree March-April June-July 15-22 Weeks
  Duke of York March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Foremost March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Golden Wonder March-April June-July 15-22 Weeks
  Java April-May July-Sept 27-31 weeks
  Jazzy April-May July-Sept 18-20 weeks
  Kerrs Pink March-April June-July 15-22 Weeks
  Kestrel March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  King Edward March-April June-July 15-22 Weeks
  Marfona March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  Maris Bard March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Maris Peer March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  Maris Piper March-April June-July 15-22 Weeks
  Marvel April-May Sept-Oct 27-31 weeks
  Nadine March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  Nicola March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  Organic Colleen March-April June-Aug 18-20 weeks
  Organic Setanta April-May Sept-Oct 18-20 weeks
  Pentland Javelin March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Picasso March-April June-July 15-22 Weeks
  Premiere March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Red Duke of York March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Rocket March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Rooster April-May Sept-Oct 18-20 weeks
  Sharpes Express March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Swift March-April June-July 10-12 Weeks
  Vivaldi April-May July-Sept 13-15 Weeks
  Wilja March-April June-July 13-15 Weeks
  Red Baron
  Stuttgart
  Red Sun Shallot
  Germidour Garlic
  Elephant Garlic
  Senshyu Onion
  Red Winter Onion
  Blue Annelise April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Francis Mar-April June-Aug 10-12 Weeks
  Apache April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Organic Arran Victory April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Organic Sarpo Mira April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Organic Alouette April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Heidi Red April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Organic Sarpo Axona April-May Sept-Oct 15-22 Weeks
  Organic Sarpo Una April-May July-Sept 13-15 Weeks
  Elfe April-May July-Sept 13-15 Weeks
  Osprey April-May July-Sept 13-15 Weeks