Early Seed Potatoes Varieties, Variety & Diseases
There is always so much joy in cultivating your own potatoes including early seed potatoes.
These are the varieties that you plant in order to first harvest in the season and these are usually available in late spring or early summer.
But what are you supposed to get early seed potatoes and why should you consider growing them? Now let’s answer those questions one by one.
What Are Early Seed Potatoes?
The first crop of potatoes may be described as the kind of potatoes that farmers introduce at the start of crop planting season.
Main crop potatoes usually take a longer time to mature but early seed potatoes take anything between 10-12 weeks for maturity.
This makes them a favorite with many gardeners who are keen to have their homegrown potatoes as soon as possible.
These potatoes are usually smaller in size than maincrop ones but are prized for their subtle flavors and soft textures.
Because they are harvested early hence they have not fully matured their skin has not thickened and have a sweeter taste and are commonly known as new potatoes.
Another good strategy in the early use of seed potatoes is to grow lots of early crop seed potatoes.
Because the crops are immature you can allow other crops to grow in the same area at a later time. This is useful more often in small landscape designs since space is a major concern in such areas.
Why Grow Early Seed Potatoes?
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First and foremost early seed potatoes equally have the following advantages that make them suitable for anyone who intends to cultivate potato plants;
Among the several general reasons for growing early seed potatoes, is the fact that these seeds grow fast and mature quickly.
These potatoes are usually ready for harvest by late spring or early summer thus enabling one to get fresh potatoes even before most other types of potatoes in the market.
Another advantage is that early seed potatoes allow you to build some sort of buffer against pests and diseases that might occur on your farm.
For this reason, they have a comparatively shorter time period wherein they are exposed to general potato pests and diseases such as blights.
This can in a very big way minimize the possibilities of failure in the production of the crops hence making the seed potatoes in the early season a safer option to invest in.
Popular Early Potato Varieties
Several factors play a role in the selection of appropriate variety to be used in the production, but none is as important as the variety used in the production of the early seed potatoes.
There are several specific types of early potatoes that are grown and each type provides the growers with different flavors, textures, and growing habitat.
‘Rocket’: ‘Rocket’ is one of the most rapidly growing early potato types in the market. It has a high yield and matures fast commonly taking between 8- 10 weeks to be ready for harvest.
The tubers are round and of white texture in the interior, they do not have a rough skin hence easy to prepare and cook.
‘Rocket’ potatoes are extremely reversible and can be boiled or mashed or even roasted to desired crispness.
‘Swift’: ‘Swift’ is another fast-growing type; great for those gardeners who do not have the patience to wait for their plants to grow.
It results in to light-brown skinned and smooth tuber with a hard waxy texture. ‘Swift’ potatoes are well suited for boiling, or, perhaps, for salads when the denseness of the tubers is advantageous.
Another factor that makes this variety desirable is that it has a high level of disease tolerance particularly to some of the worst potato diseases such as the scab disease.
‘Duke of York’: Duke of York is one of the traditional early potatoes that certainly has been popular among gardeners for quite a long time.
It creates tubers with pale yellow flesh that has a very delicious taste of butter making it suitable for both Boiling and baking.
This is better known as the ‘Duke of York’ which is a high-yielding variety that has been observed to grow well in various soils making it very suitable for any kind of gardener, new or experienced.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Variety
The classification of the early seed potato variety needs more than just picking the first one that you come across.
Some considerations that may help you arrive at the right decision include: They will help you walk away with a variety of trees that will do well in your favorite growth environment as well as one that will meet your culinary requirements.
Flavor and Texture: These parameters are examples of solutes that cause variations in the flavor and texture of potatoes depending on the type of crop.
Some varieties of early potatoes, some of which include ‘Duke of York’ potatoes, are rich in buttery flavor that is very suitable for mashing or roasting.
Some of these are ‘Swift’ which are slightly thicker and waxy in feel and remain crispy when used in salad or boiled.
Also, think about what you will use the potatoes for, whether for boiling or frying and which type will go best with them.
Yield: In case one is growing the plant in a commercial or agricultural setting and desirous of obtaining a large quantity of produce then one should plant the ‘Rocket’ variety.
New varieties produce bigger pots per plant making them suitable for growers with limited space or when one aims at harvesting as many pots as possible.
Disease Resistance: Disease resistance is another important factor to add if you have suffered setbacks with pests or diseases in the past.
Species such as the ‘Pentland Javelin’ are developed with specific traits: one of them being resistance to multiple potato diseases including the scab and blight.
Planting disease-resistant seeds will prevent most of the disease attacks and hence, less use of chemicals on the plants.
How to Chit Seed Potatoes Correctly
Chitting your first earlies is easy but it pays to do it right! Here’s how to do it: Here’s how to do it:
The seed potato selection has to be healthy
Begin by selecting clean certified seed potatoes from the right source that has been recommended by your vetiver plant.
This is a summary of the acetate(s) that are associated with the vetiver plant: Do not use potatoes from stores; most store-bought potatoes are treated not to sprout and might be diseased.
Transfer Potatoes to Trays
Put your seed potatoes into a propagator, a tray, or an egg carton with the ridge or the sprout-forming-eyes up. This will assist the potatoes to sprout well and this is one thing I have not been doing before.
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Place the tray in a cool and well-lit place. A windowsill that gets a little bit of sun exposure but not direct sun is the best kind of location.
The temperature should range between fifty to sixty degree Fahrenheit which is equivalent to ten to fifteen degrees centigrade.
Do not expose the sprouts to direct sunlight because this leads to either drying up or turning the plant green.
Wait for the sprouts to grow
In the next few weeks, you will witness new small green shoots growing out of the eyes of the potatoes. These sprouts should be allowed to grow for a distance of approximately one inch, that is, 2. 5 cm.
This usually takes about 2-4 weeks depending on the doctor and the type of stomach disease that is being treated.
Best Time to Plant Early Seed Potatoes
It is important that planting of early seed potatoes is done at the right time after the groundwork has been done. This is important when planting since it increases the chances of the potatoes to grow and produce food.
Consider Your Climate: When to plant early seed potatoes all or mostly depends on the climate condition of your area.
In many regions, it is suggested that the best time for sowing is in the early spring, particularly two to four weeks before the last estimated frost.
As a result, the potatoes start developing as soon as the soil starts warming up without being at risk of frost.
Soil Temperature: There are a number of factors that may be looked at, but one of these includes the temperature of the soil.
Seed potatoes for an early crop should be planted when the soil has warmed to a minimum of 45 °F or 7 °C.
If the soil is still too cold the potatoes will not germinate or the growth may be slow. You must use a soil thermometer to enable you to determine the right time for planting.
Prepare for Frost: Where late frosts are a possibility, always be ready to protect potato plants. If frost is expected once your potatoes have germinated, cover the plants with fleece, or straw or use cloches so as to mitigate frost effects.
This can help avoid situations where young plants are messed up by cold climates ensuring they carry on with the growth process the right way.
Preparing the Soil for Early Seed Potatoes
For healthy early seed potatoes to be produced the right preparation of the field is vital.
A suitable environment to grow the potatoes includes well-drained soil which provides the plant with nutrients and room for its roots to grow while the tubers are fully formed.
Soil Type and Structure
Early seed potatoes need light and well-drained loamy soil. Clay soil tends to be difficult when used in gardening because they hold water, which essentially causes rotting and disease to the plants.
You might be surprised to find that your soil is heavy or compacted and it may be necessary to improve the structure of your soil by incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into your soil.
This will go a long way in assisting to lighten the soil and help improve the drainage therein.
pH Level
For the growth of potatoes the pH level should be a bit on the acidic side, which ranges between 5. 0 and 6. 0. Kochia also states that, if the soil is alkaline the potatoes may develop scab – a soil-borne disease that affects the tubers.
There are several ways of determining the pH of your soil but it is recommended that you buy a cheap soil testing kit at your local garden store.
In case the soil in your garden has a high pH, that is on the alkaline side, then you can help reduce the pH with the use of sulfur or peat moss.
Fertilization
Nevertheless, potato plants require a lot of nutrients for their growth and development, therefore it is recommended that the soil is fertilized prior to planting.
Before planting your early seed potatoes, rake in some fertilizer or a soil amendment such as balanced fertilizer, bone meal, or fish emulsion.
This will afford the required nutrients especially phosphorus that is essential for root and tuber growth and development.
However, greatly applying nitrogen causes a lush growth of foliage at the expense of a decent formation of tubers in the soil.
Watering Early Seed Potatoes
Watering early seed potatoes should be well done in order to facilitate good growth and development of the plant.
Irregular water supply is a disaster for potatoes and thus water supply should be done well throughout the growing period to enhance tuber formation and avoid blossom end rot and low yields.
Initial Watering: Make sure to water the soil when you are planting the early-seed potatoes so that they can be established well.
The first watering-cat is meant to make the substrate moisture enough for the tuber’s Germination to occur.
Particularly avoid flooding it as this would wash away the soil and consequently undue pressure is laid on the gardener to use more dirt to cover the seeds.
Consistent Moisture: Following planting it is important to keep a moderate soil moisture supply throughout the tillering phase of the crop.
Potatoes require frequent irrigation and this is especially so whenever there is a drought. It may be possible to make it give about 1 to 1 ish.
5 inches or from 2. 5 to 4 cm of water a week either through natural precipitation or sprinkling.
Over or under-watering the plant can cause physiological issues such as unproportionate tuber development or even the formation of cracks!
Avoid Overwatering: There is however some merit in having frequent water intake but too much at once is prohibited. Soil that remains water-saturated is capable of rotting the tubers and giving the ground a home to fungi.
DO make sure the soil is permeable and DO not water it if the soil feels wet. If you are in doubt you can use a moisture meter or take small samples of the soil to know when to water.
Managing Pests and Diseases
The early-developed seed potatoes may be inclined to different pests and diseases that may in some way affect your yields besides reducing the general health of your plants.
It is therefore evident that management has a great role to play so that there can be a good crop.
Common Pests
Aphids: They are small insects that can stunt the growth of plants through sucking sap and also can cause disease.
Check your plants frequently and, if you see aphids, wash your plant with insecticidal soap or apply neem oil.
Colorado Potato Beetle: This pest feeds on the foliage of potatoes and is capable of stripping the foliage of the plant within a short span of time.
Select beetles and larvae individually or spray with organic pesticides, to control cases of infestation.
Wireworms: Another sort of larvae, belonging to click beetles, are also capable of harming developing tubers.
To control wireworms do not plant potatoes in the same area where the previous year’s crop was planted and use bait or insecticides.
Common Diseases
Late Blight: The symptoms of this particular fungal disease include dark water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems which may lead to crop failure.
The following management strategies should be employed: Cultivate resistant varieties, avoid watering from above, and remove and destroy affected parts.
Early Blight: It’s a disease that exhibits circular and dark spots around the leaves; it may affect the yields. Increase airflow around the plant and if fungal infections are present on plant leaves, then fungicides should be applied.
Scab: This bacterial disease produces rough, corky, and dry lesions on tuber skins. It is well adapted to growing in alkaline soils; hence proper care should be taken to prevent injuries to the tubers which can lead to scabs.
Storing Early Seed Potatoes
Proper storage of the early seed potatoes makes them fresh and tasty during the time they are supposed to stay fresh. Here’s how to store your potatoes effectively: Here’s how to store your potatoes effectively:
Curing Potatoes
Purpose: Curing also makes the outer skin of the harvested potatoes hard, thus making the tubers last longer in store. It also has the potential to heal any minor injury that one would be having.
Conditions: Store the harvested potatoes in a cool darker and airy place this would help in keeping off all sorts of pests.
Ideally, this should be around 60-65°F (15-18°C); humidity should also be high as the skins are prone to further drying. A shed or even a garage can be perfect for this cure.
Duration: After washing let the potatoes cure for about 1 to 2 weeks.. During this period the skins turn more robust giving them the ability to resist damage.
Long-Term Storage
Temperature: When they are cured they should be shifted to a cool, dark, and dry location for further storage.
Probably the most desirable storage temperature ranges from 40- 50 degrees F or 4-10 degrees C. Do not use extreme cold since this will make the potatoes become soft and mushy when cooking.
Containers: The ideal potato storage is in baskets, burlap, paper bags, or crates made of wood. These containers facilitate free air circulation and thus eliminate the accumulation of moisture which may cause molds and rots.
Light Exposure: Ideally, the stored potatoes should be free from light of any kind and this includes natural light as well as artificial lighting.
Potatoes are said to turn green once exposed to light and sprout which are signs that it is toxic and not good for consumption.
If the storage space you have does not provide proper darkness, then it is wise to store your potatoes in nontransparent or black containers or else cover the potatoes with cloth.
Regular Checks: Do this from time to time to check if they are showing signs such as sprouting, rotting, or being affected by diseases.
Any of the potatoes displaying that symptom should be pulled out in a bid to avoid spreading the disease to the remaining crop.
Conclusion
The early seed potatoes provide many advantages and prospects for gardeners who would like to have tasty and fast-grown vegetables in the near future.
These potatoes are much better than standard potatoes because of their quicker maturity, delicious taste, and ability to yield well in different climates, so these plants indeed are valuable in any garden.
With the right procedure in planting, conducting proper care as well as in harvesting the early seed potatoes, you can optimize your production and gain substantial harvest.
Do not forget that your potato plants require constant moisture, pests, and diseases should be controlled, and your harvested potatoes should be stored properly in order to avoid spoiling.
Regardless of your level of experience with gardening, early-seed potatoes are a great way to start your garden and be rewarded with fresh vegetables.
Accept the advantages that they provide and just feel the joy of gaining your own fine potatoes.
FAQS
What are early seed potatoes?
First or second earlies – they are what are known as ‘new potatoes’, they are small, sweet, and delicious. Growing them is even faster; one can harvest these seeds as early as 12 weeks. The plants occupy lesser space therefore convenient in small areas, and can be cultivated in pots.
What are the fastest-growing seed potatoes?
Potatoes can be classified based on their maturity and depending on where they are grown; they include first earlies, second earlier, and main crop. First, look for the varieties of ‘first early’ potatoes because they will take the shortest time to grow. These can be ready as soon as 10-12 weeks after planting. so it can be used for different products.
What type of potatoes grow the fastest?
Rocket is among the early producing varieties; it produces well, and it is fast. Perfect for pots. Rocket is good for boiling potatoes because they possess a waxy texture.
Which potatoes are easiest to grow?
For beginners, we suggest ‘earlies’ for 2 reasons – they will be the fastest to finish and hopefully, enthusiasm will remain and secondly, they will most likely be picked before blight affects it.
What are very early seed potatoes?
Main early seed potatoes are raised between February and April and the crop is ready for harvest in June and July in other varieties. It produces small-sized potatoes which are best-used green, boiled, steamed, or sautéed in a manner that they are still green.
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