Potato variety Chugunka: description and characteristics, reviews, photos

Description of potatoes of the Chugunka variety

Chugunka potatoes owe their name to the original appearance of the tubers. His bushes are not so “recognizable”; they look completely ordinary, especially to a non-specialist.

Bush

The height of Chugunka potato bushes varies from 0.5 to 1 m - mainly their “dimensions” depend on the quality and fertility of the substrate. The root system is very powerful, the stems are erect and strong. Also, Chugunka potatoes are characterized by dense “foliage” and a lush “crown”: leaf plates have a typical shape for the crop, medium size, a dense green hue, with strongly pronounced veins and a corrugated “border” along the edge. The flowers are large, bright lilac, but the corollas are compact. Very few “berries” are formed after flowering.

Bushes extremely rarely “fall apart”; the stems do not lie on the ground

Tubers

The tubers of the Chugunka potato are quite large and one-dimensional, weighing 100-130 g. There is practically no “trifle” in the “nests”. The shape varies from round-oval to distinctly elongated. The peel is dense, but not thick, it provides the tubers with good transportability and keeping quality. Painted in a very dark blue-violet color with a glossy sheen.

From a distance, the peel appears almost black and is very similar in color to eggplant skin

The “eyes” are few, superficial, and stand out with a brighter blue hue. The pulp is snow-white or light cream, and does not darken when cooked. It contrasts very effectively with the cut skin.

Important! A thin inky purple “ring” in the pulp of Chugunka potatoes under the skin or small round yellowish-beige spots on the skin are normal for the variety. These are not symptoms of some exotic diseases.

Farmer reviews

Feedback from farmers about Chugunka is mostly positive. Despite the average yield, farmers continue to grow this variety.

Inna, Ryazan: “A couple of years ago I planted Chugunka for the first time. I found some unusual purple tubers at the market. The harvest is really average, but the fruits are very tasty, tender and crumbly. The variety is susceptible to late blight, so I spray all the nightshades in the area with copper sulfate.”

Victor, Tver: “I’ve been growing cast iron for more than one year. Potatoes are ideal for mashing. The yield is satisfactory and he rarely gets sick. The only problem is pests. I found a way to fight the Colorado potato beetle. We reach an agreement with our neighbors and collect all the beetles and larvae on our property in one day. After that, the insects don’t attack.”

Characteristics of Chugunka potatoes with photos

Despite the official “non-recognition” and the lack of variety testing, the important characteristics of the Chugunka potato, its advantages and disadvantages, can be judged quite objectively. This is facilitated by the rich experience of amateur gardeners.

Taste qualities

Amateur gardeners evaluate the taste qualities of Chugunka potatoes extremely positively. The puree made from it receives especially rave reviews, as it turns out very tender and airy. It is the brightness and richness of taste that determines the stable demand for the variety, even despite the average yield.

The pulp of Chugunka potatoes after heat treatment retains its color and does not “fall apart” when slicing

In culinary terms, Chugunka potatoes are universal. It can not only be boiled, but also fried, stewed, baked, stuffed, and added to any soups, salads, and side dishes.

Ripening time

Chugunka is an early ripening potato variety. In central Russia, harvesting begins 70-75 days after the appearance of mass shoots. Moreover, the experience of gardeners shows that the weather during spring and summer has practically no effect on the ripening time of tubers.

Productivity

Chugunka potatoes have not undergone official variety testing, so their yield can only be estimated approximately. The experience of amateur gardeners shows that 6-11 tubers are formed in one “nest”. Accordingly, you can count on 0.8-1.2 kg per bush.

The yield of Chugunka potatoes is average or even below average. If it were grown on an “industrial scale”, it is approximately estimated at 100-200 centners per hectare.

Even ideal cultivation conditions and competent agricultural technology will not help to radically increase the yield of Chugunka potatoes.

Important! Chugunka potatoes, if the required conditions are created for them, have good keeping quality (about 95%): the crop is stored at least until the end of winter. At the same time, the pulp does not lose its elasticity, richness of taste, and the benefits are preserved.

Growing regions

Chugunka potatoes are cultivated mainly in the European part of Russia, in regions with a temperate climate. Apparently, its “homeland” is here; it is best adapted to local weather nuances.

Experiments by gardeners indicate that the variety takes root well and consistently produces yields in warmer southern regions, subject to regular and sufficient watering. But the northern territories are not very suitable for it. And so the low yield is further reduced, the taste of the tubers also suffers, and the concentration of nutrients in them decreases.

Disease resistance

Chugunka potatoes are valued by gardeners for their “stress resistance” and endurance, including high resistance to fungal and other diseases typical of the crop. Pests, including the Colorado potato beetle and wireworm, are also not particularly interested in this variety. Although it does not have the protection against pathogens and insects provided by breeders.

The most dangerous disease for Chugunka potatoes is late blight. In this variety, both the above-ground part of the plant and the tubers are susceptible to it.

Late blight can develop both when growing potatoes in the garden and during storage

Diseases and parasites

Cast iron does not suffer much from most standard potato diseases, but is afraid of attacks from the Colorado potato beetle and late blight bacteria.

Potato cancer

The main characteristic by which the disease is determined is greenish growths on any part of the potato. It is transferred with the soil, so you need to monitor the sequence of plantings (do not plant Chugunka after nightshade) and the safety of neighboring areas.

For prevention, the seed material of the variety is disinfected with a solution of “Fundazol” or “Nitrophen”. All affected Chugunka tubers must be burned.

Late blight

Phytophthora, to which the Chugunka variety is susceptible, manifests itself as rounded brown ulcers on the leaves and tubers. It is better to warn her appearance in advance. The main method of successful prevention is careful sorting of Chugunka tubers.

Before sowing, potatoes are treated with Phytozonite, Ribav Extra and other means that increase resistance to fungus. At the first signs of late blight, the entire Chugunka bush is removed from the area and destroyed.

Colorado beetle

This is the most dangerous pest of most potato varieties in Russia. The first beetle treatment is carried out in late May, when the Chugunka bushes begin to bloom. The most popular chemical preparations are: Corado, Confidor, Iskra, Deciz-Profi, which have unique disinfecting characteristics.

It is recommended to repeat the procedure for Cast Iron no less than 2 and no more than 4 times per season. In small plots, gardeners can collect beetles by hand - this is difficult work, which pays off with the environmental cleanliness of the ripened potatoes.

Advantages and disadvantages

The starch content in the pulp of Chugunka potatoes is quite high - 13-17%. Despite this, it cooks well, while maintaining its shape, and does not have the slightest “mealy” taste.

Official “non-recognition” does not prevent breeders from actively using Chugunka potatoes to create new varieties and hybrids

Pros:

• the ability to successfully resist “external” negative influences;
• good drought resistance;
• early dates and “massiveness” of crop ripening;
• ease of care;
• large size, presentable and original appearance of the tubers;
• outstanding taste;
• nutritional value of the pulp and high concentration of nutrients in it;
• versatility of tubers;
• extremely rare cases of infection by fungal and other diseases;
• lack of particularly expressed interest on the part of pests;
• excellent keeping quality and transportability.

Minuses:

• relatively low yield;
• “large size” of bushes;
• demands on soil fertility and regular fertilizing;
• tendency to be affected by late blight;
• unsuitability for mechanized harvesting;
• the need to update planting material every 2-3 seasons.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the main advantages of the variety:

• good taste of root vegetables;
• early amicable maturation;
• low maintenance requirements;
• drought resistance;
• collected tubers are well stored;
• resistance to diseases and pests.

Among the minor shortcomings:

• sensitivity to soil nutrition;
• It is recommended to update the seed material every few years.

In the table below you will find keeping quality indicators for comparing Chugunka potatoes with other varieties:

Landing Features

Chugunka potatoes in central Russia are planted in the last days of April or in the first ten days of May. You need to wait until the substrate at a depth of 10-12 cm warms up to at least 6-8 °C.

Since Chugunka is a potato variety that is extremely sensitive to the nutritional value of the soil, in the fall, during the digging process, humus or rotted compost (about 5 l/m²) must be added to the soil. It is also necessary to saturate the soil with potassium and phosphorus. Both complex store-bought fertilizers and folk remedies (wood ash) are suitable for this, but the former are preferable due to their balanced composition.

Pre-planting preparation of Chugunka potatoes includes germination of tubers. Treatment with any suitable fungicide to protect against late blight and a biostimulant to increase yield is also required.

Germination proceeds quite quickly, usually 2-3 weeks are enough.

Chugunka potatoes are planted according to the “classic” scheme of 30-35x65-70 cm. The depth of the holes ranges from 5-6 to 12-15 cm, this depends on the “lightness” of the substrate. To provide the tubers with nutrients, a handful of humus mixed with complex fertilizer is placed at the bottom.

Chugunka potato bushes are not spreading, so you don’t need to leave a lot of space between them

Step-by-step instructions for growing

Cast iron does not require any special agricultural measures for cultivation , so let’s look at what standard steps a gardener needs to take to get a harvest of this potato.

Inventory

The minimum set of equipment for growing cast iron is a bucket, a shovel and a rake for loosening the plot. However, if possible, the gardener can additionally use:

• Walk-behind tractor and attachments for it : plows, cultivators and hillers, seeders, potato diggers, etc.
• Sohu . Until now, a significant part of vegetable gardens is cultivated using horses and plows.

Important!

Mini tractors and ordinary tractors are not used for Chugunka: this variety is unsuitable for industrial cultivation.

Preparation

Soils

1. The site for Chugunka begins to be prepared in the fall. Organic fertilizers are applied to it (manure, humus, rotted peat, etc.) in an amount of about 5 kg per 1 sq. m. m. At this stage, it is permissible to use fresh manure and bird droppings.
2. After the organic matter is added, the area is plowed or dug up to the fullest extent.
3. In the spring, when the snow melts and the soil warms up, the site is dug up a second time - already half a bayonet deep. If it is possible to use mini-equipment, the plot is cultivated or disked.
4. To crush the soil, use a harrow or at least a simple rake with sharp teeth.

Planting material

1. For planting in the fall, whole and healthy tubers are selected, approximately the size of a chicken egg and weighing at least 80 g.
2. Before planting, the tubers are germinated about a month in the light or in damp sawdust at a temperature of at least 15 degrees.
3. At this stage, the tubers are sorted a second time; those damaged or showing signs of a previously hidden disease are discarded. In addition, during germination, those potatoes that do not sprout are also rejected.
4. Before planting, it is recommended to treat the seed tubers with a growth stimulator and antifungal agents. Treatment with “Prestige” or similar preparations gives good results; in extreme cases, the tubers can be soaked for several minutes in a solution of copper sulfate (3 teaspoons per bucket of water).

Boarding time

Early ripening potatoes, which include Chugunka, are planted when the soil warms up to +8 degrees and above.

Usually this time comes:

1. In the Central region in mid-May
2. In the Central Black Earth - in early May.
3. In the southern regions (for example, in Crimea and the North Caucasus), planting can usually be done as early as April. But you need to focus specifically on the soil temperature.

Important!

If there is no thermometer, the gardener can use a folk superstition: it is believed that the earth has warmed up enough for planting potatoes when the first leaves appear on the birch tree.

Scheme

Cast iron is planted according to the standard pattern in rows, based on the following parameters:

• Row spacing - from 60 to 80 cm (if less, you will have to hill up only manually, without using row-spacing or a mounted hiller on a walk-behind tractor).
• The distance between tubers in a row is at least 30 cm.
• Depth - from 8 to 12 cm. The deeper, the less the risk of damage to the shoots during return frosts, but the longer the potatoes will germinate.

Potatoes can be planted either manually or in a furrow from a plow or cultivator on a walk-behind tractor.

Care

Hilling

The first hilling of potatoes is carried out when the tops reach a height of 10-12 cm. In the future, the procedure can be repeated two or three times during the summer. The main thing is to form a clear and high ridge of loose soil along the bed, in which the tubers will develop freely.

It should be taken into account that Chugunka loves loose soil and is especially productive on sandy and sandy loam soils. Therefore, growing it without hilling is strictly not recommended.

Hilling can be done either manually (with a hoe or hoe) or mechanically (for example, with a mounted hiller on a walk-behind tractor or plow).

Watering

Cast iron is a drought-resistant variety, so it usually does not need watering. However, if the weather is hot and there has been no rain for a long time, the bushes may begin to wilt. In this case, you can carry out one or two waterings over the summer. Watering is done:

• Using a watering can, sprinkler or agricultural sprayer - at dawn or, better yet, at sunset, when the plants are not exposed to direct sunlight.
• Using drip irrigation systems – at any time.

In any case, watering is stopped at least 3 weeks before harvesting.

Loosening

Cast iron loves loose soil , so in addition to hilling, it’s a good idea to thoroughly loosen the beds every 10-15 days. Usually weeding is also done at the same time.

Weeding

Weed the cast iron as the weeds grow. The timing and order of this procedure depend on the infestation of the area with weeds.

Top dressing

During the summer, potatoes are usually not fertilized; all fertilizers are applied before planting. However, in addition to the autumn application of organic fertilizers, it makes sense to add approximately 300 g of wood ash under each tuber when planting.

It is extremely undesirable to use nitrogen fertilizers during the growing season : Cast iron is already distinguished by a large amount of green mass, if you feed it with nitrogen, it will grow more tops than tubers.

Other care measures

In addition to the above measures, mulching the beds gives good results. Freshly cut grass is used for mulch, which protects the soil from drying out and at the same time prevents weeds from germinating.

Care instructions

Due to the ease of care, Chugunka potatoes are suitable even for inexperienced gardeners. Agricultural technology includes:

1. Watering. The substrate is moistened only in the absence of natural precipitation. In central Russia - once every 2-2.5 weeks, in the south - every 10-12 days. Bushes especially need water at the stage of active growth of green mass, during the formation of buds and 7-10 days after flowering.
2. Feeding. Fertilizers are applied three times per season - 12-15 days after the first shoots (nitrogen), at the beginning and “at the peak” of flowering (complex).
3. Hilling. It is enough to hill up Chugunka potatoes twice a season - when the stems reach a height of 12-15 cm and after another 20-25 days. Further, there is no need for it - the bushes “fall apart” infrequently, the tubers “appear” from the ground rarely.
4. Mulching. An optional, but very useful agrotechnical measure for Chugunka potatoes. Mulch on the garden bed helps to significantly save time on weeding and loosening it, and water the plants less often.

Chugunka potatoes respond positively to natural organic matter, folk remedies, and store-bought fertilizers

Important! To increase yield and improve taste, it is recommended to spray Chugunka potato bushes with a solution of superphosphate (20-25 g per 10 liters of water) 12-15 days before harvesting.

Comparison table with other early ripening species

Harvest and storage

The approximate harvest date for Chugunka potatoes is the end of the second ten days of August. By this time, the stems should be at least half dry, the leaves should turn yellow almost completely. Tubers are dug up only by hand - with a pitchfork or shovel.

Tubers even with minor mechanical damage are unsuitable for storage

The harvested Chugunka potato crop is immediately sorted. Tubers suitable for long-term storage are dried for 7-10 days. In autumn and winter they are kept in any place where suitable conditions can be created:

• constant temperature 2-4 °C;
• air humidity 70-80%;
• lack of light;
• access to fresh air;
• protection from cold drafts.

Important! To prevent the development of late blight and “massive” spoilage of tubers during storage, it is recommended to inspect and sort Chugunka potatoes every 3-4 weeks.

Diseases and pests

Cast iron has good immunity , but there are diseases and pests that are dangerous for it. What to do to avoid crop losses?

Struggle

To protect plants, the following measures must be taken:

• Against late blight - treatment with both specialized fungicides (for example, Alirin-B) and traditional means (copper sulfate solution, Bordeaux mixture).
• Against the Colorado potato beetle and other insect pests - contact-acting preparations (Fitoverm, Inta-Vir or similar). You need to remember: Cast iron is an early ripening variety, so, unfortunately, it is impossible to use systemic drugs - the decay period is too long. When choosing an insecticide for cast iron, you need to give preference to those that do not accumulate in the tops and tubers, and not exceed the dosage established by the manufacturer.
• Ultrasonic repellers, poisonous baits, or regular cats help against voles

Prevention

Some problems can be prepared in advance. Preventative measures for Chugunka will be:

1. Standard agrotechnical practices. For example, regular hilling often saves from wireworm infestation and destroys Colorado potato beetles in the ground.
2. Normal soil moisture. In soil that is too wet, pathogenic fungi multiply easily.
3. Application of growth stimulants and fungicides for seed potatoes.
4. Maintaining crop rotation. Potatoes can be grown in one place for several years, but it is better to change the area every year.
5. Careful removal of plant residues during harvesting. Last year's sprouted tubers and tops are excellent food for Colorado potato beetles, but you should not feed them again.

General characteristics of the variety

The variety “Chugunok” originated from “Sineglazka”, which is its main competitor. The variety belongs to the early ripening table varieties of folk selection; its growing season is one and a half months. Recently, based on “Chugunka”, a new potato variety “Vasilek” with good prospects was developed.

The bushes are straight, tall with a lot of green mass. The dark green foliage is not large, characterized by lacy edges and clearly visible veins. The stems have a dark bluish tint. The color of the potato is bright blue, the flowers are large, collected in corollas, the berries are almost never set.

Each bush bears about 10 beautiful fruits; they are easily recognized by their unique purple color and single light spots. If you follow all the rules of care, almost all the fruits will be of impressive size, without the presence of small ones. Potatoes have an oval “lapte-shaped” shape, thin and smooth skin.

The pulp is white or creamy, creating a contrast with the peel, making the tubers an ideal product for culinary specialists. “Chugunok” has a bright taste, just like “Sineglazka” softens during cooking. It makes delicious fluffy mashed potatoes.

“Cast iron” is rich in useful substances: proteins, vitamins, amino acids. Tubers contain starch in the range of approximately 15-16%. The yield is relatively low and depends on the fertility of the soil, its humidity and ambient temperature. In small fields, potatoes are very convenient to grow and harvest, which is suitable for farmers, summer residents and owners of garden plots.

Description of root vegetables

The fruits attract not only their unique color (blue-violet), but also their impressive size. The shape is regular, oval. The skin is thin, smooth, with white patches. The pulp is creamy or white with a bright taste. Does not darken during processing and does not soften during heat treatment. Chugunok potatoes make tasty and fluffy puree. Starch content varies from 12 to 17%. The content of healthy substances is high.

General characteristics of the variety

The variety “Chugunok” originated from “Sineglazka”, which is its main competitor. The variety belongs to the early ripening table varieties of folk selection; its growing season is one and a half months. Recently, based on “Chugunka”, a new potato variety “Vasilek” with good prospects was developed.

The bushes are straight, tall with a lot of green mass. The dark green foliage is not large, characterized by lacy edges and clearly visible veins. The stems have a dark bluish tint. The color of the potato is bright blue, the flowers are large, collected in corollas, the berries are almost never set.

Each bush bears about 10 beautiful fruits; they are easily recognized by their unique purple color and single light spots. If you follow all the rules of care, almost all the fruits will be of impressive size, without the presence of small ones. Potatoes have an oval “lapte-shaped” shape, thin and smooth skin.

The pulp is white or creamy, creating a contrast with the peel, making the tubers an ideal product for culinary specialists. “Chugunok” has a bright taste, just like “Sineglazka” softens during cooking. It makes delicious fluffy mashed potatoes.

“Cast iron” is rich in useful substances: proteins, vitamins, amino acids. Tubers contain starch in the range of approximately 15-16%. The yield is relatively low and depends on the fertility of the soil, its humidity and ambient temperature. In small fields, potatoes are very convenient to grow and harvest, which is suitable for farmers, summer residents and owners of garden plots.

Peter's mystery

The Peter's riddle variety grows well in the northwestern part of Russia and is a medium ripening variety (80-95 days). Intended for table use, starch content 10-12.5%. The fruits are adapted for excessively wet and cold soils. In Russia, the Peter's riddle variety is the most common among all available varieties, due to its versatility and resistance to variable climates. The shape of the fruit is oblong. The top layer of the peel is pink. The inside is creamy pink.

Advantages

• In preparation, this type of fruit is often combined with various types of meat and vegetables. Suitable for any dishes, as it has a sweetish taste.
• The yield percentage is 300 c/ha.
• Grows well in any conditions.

When preparing fruits for planting, you need to consider the following feature. In the spring, when preparing seed, tubers from storage should be taken unsprouted. It is best to germinate them a little before planting, so that the tubers have short and strong sprouts. Tubers that have grown long sprouts over the winter are categorically unacceptable for sowing the variety Peter's riddle. It is also impossible to break off or damage the sprouts of the seed.

If you follow the correct technology for planting this type of potato, you can reap a bountiful and high-quality harvest.

The Rodrigo variety ripens in 70-85 days and is a mid-late species. Productivity per hundred square meters is 450 kg. Rodrigo is a type of potato with red skin and yellow or white flesh. One fruit can weigh up to 800 grams with proper care. The Rodrigo variety has no disadvantages, as it is suitable for growing in any climate and on any soil. Rodrigo is best purchased by those gardeners who want to get a bountiful harvest at minimal cost, as well as by those who live in the north of Russia.

Advantages

• Smooth fruits with a minimum number of eyes are excellent for mechanical cleaning.
• Rodrigo can be used for boiling, frying and making French fries.
• Externally, dark red tubers look very beautiful.

The description states that the Ramona variety has red skin and white-yellow flesh. Ripens in 80-100 days and is a mid-late species. The yield per hundred square meters is small, only 100-150 kg. The Ramon variety is suitable for the south of our country and tolerates heat and persistent drought well. The fruits are oval-shaped, weighing about 70-90 grams. Ramona fruits are suitable for pureeing and frying.