Potato (first early)

Solanum tuberosum

Plant family

Solanums (Solanaceae)

Cultivation Break

4 Years

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Light germinator

Germination temperature

8 - 15 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Seeding distance

30 cm

Row spacing

60 cm

Seeding depth

12 cm

Instructions

Description

Early potatoes or "new potatoes" are so called because they are harvested earliest in June and July. They take 10-12 weeks to ripen. They take up less space and are less susceptible to potato blight (compared to the main crop) as they are usually harvested before the disease has spread. They are usually more expensive commercially and taste better freshly harvested (not suitable for storage).

Origin:

High Andes and coastal region of Chile

Growing tips

Plant in March (with frost protection), 30 cm apart, 60 cm row spacing, approx. 12 cm deep. Maturation takes 10-12 weeks. As soon as the tubers begin to form, the potato plants need plenty of water. However, waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. Mounding up soil around the plants several times during tuber formation ensures that more tubers can form. Harvest in June and July. Best cooked and eaten freshly harvested. Not suitable for longer storage.