Potato Sineglazka: description of the variety, growth characteristics, care

If you love exotic things, you will probably like the unusual Sineglazka potato variety. The tubers have blue spots on the skin, which gives them charm and zest. Unfortunately, the variety has not received recognition from agronomists, but gardeners have become very fond of Sineglazka and continue to grow it. To learn more about this unusual variety, we suggest studying its description, characteristics and photos with reviews from gardeners who know Sineglazka first-hand.

Description of the variety

The mid-season potato variety Sineglazka not only has an amazing name, its tubers have interesting features.
Agrotechnicians call this type of potato mid-season. The plant ripens in 90-110 days, does not require any hassle, while guaranteeing owners of acres a consistently high harvest. When creating a new potato variety, which people lovingly called Sineglazka, breeders used several species. According to the plan, the southern regions and central Russia were to become the places for its cultivation. Having heard about the Sineglazka potato, which was ready to give a head start to Dutch hybrids, gardeners began to grow Sineglazka potatoes in the cold northern regions - under film. The first steps yielded good results; over the years, the Sineglazka variety adapted to low temperatures and settled there forever.

One of the main differences between potatoes is their good root system. Spreading bushes with medium-sized bright green leaves, delicate lilac flowers and a yellow center. The tubers of the Sineglazka potato are large, their weight can reach 200 g, round and flattened on the sides. The skin of Sineglazka is slightly rough. Blue eyes are visible on root vegetables.

The plant is comfortable on light loam, sandy and sandy loam soils. Harvest begins in late August or early September. But you can dig up Sineglazka for food starting in July. From one hundred square meters, plot owners dig up to 500 kg of root crops.

Sineglazka: favorite because it’s delicious

Wonderful productive potatoes with bluish eyes are quite difficult to find today. Slowly it is being replaced by more and more new varieties. But those who still manage to buy seed material will not regret it at all. Many people speak of Sineglazka as the most delicious potato of all.

Selection work to create this variety was carried out in the post-war years by the Institute of Starch Products under the Ministry of the USSR specifically for individual cultivation. It has never been cultivated on an industrial scale. The variety turned out to be so successful that it was distributed free of charge to villagers and summer residents in the Smolensk region for propagation. People liked it and spread with great speed throughout the entire former Soviet Union.

Sineglazka is the most popular variety in the Soviet Union

Sineglazka has gained popularity among gardeners due to its ease of care and consistently high yields.

Few people know that the real name of the variety is Hannibal. It is named after the famous great-grandfather A.S. Pushkin, who at one time was fond of selection and was one of the first to conduct experiments with potatoes.

Origin of the Sineglazka potato

The history of the origin of potatoes with the original name is shrouded in myths.
In reality, everything is much simpler. The new species was created by workers of an experimental station located in the Smolensk region, from cultural forms and wild animals. The author of the variety is called S. Domina. Although his experiments were not crowned with mass success - Sineglazka is not included in the State Register of the Russian Federation, but this does not make it less popular than its relatives. But the name for the potato was invented by the breeder who conducted the testing - Boris Nazarenko. Volunteers who were given seed material noted the good keeping quality of potatoes despite low storage volumes, their taste, productivity and ease of care. But the industrial space for Sineglazka potatoes, which turned out to be picky about long-term storage, has become prohibitive. After several years of testing and unsuccessful attempts to expand the space, the experiment participants decided to recommend Sineglazka for cultivation only in personal plots.

Surprisingly, not all amateur gardeners know that the Sineglazka potato has an official name - “Hannibal”. So he was named in honor of Abram Hannibal, the ancestor of the poet Alexander Pushkin. The Arab Peter the Great, distinguished by his dark skin, is considered the first breeder in Russia.

Varietal characteristics

The description of the Sineglazka potato variety should begin with its features: this potato has an average ripening period and a very extended growing season. The first harvest of young tubers can be harvested at the end of June, and potatoes can remain in the ground until September.

The characteristics of the Sineglazka potato variety are as follows:

• the ripening period ranges from 85 to 100 days;
• potato bushes are powerful, quite tall, spreading;
• the shoots are thick, the root system is highly developed;
• the growth of green mass is abundant;
• leaves are medium-sized, dark green;
• Sineglazka's inflorescences are small and light blue;
• berries with seeds are rarely formed on bushes;
• Potatoes prefer light, sandy, nutritious soil; they bear fruit poorly on heavy and dry soils;
• the yield of the Sineglazka variety is high - about 500 centners per hectare;
• in each bush from 8 to 12 tubers ripen;
• large potatoes, average tuber weight – 170 grams;
• the shape of the potato is oval, slightly flattened;
• the tubers are colored pinkish-gray;
• the eyes are shallow, there are few of them, painted in a blue-lilac tint
• the pulp is white, dense;
• percentage of starch – 15%;
• Sineglazka tubers are considered very nutritious and are suitable for dietary nutrition;
• the taste of potatoes is high - the Sineglazka variety produces aromatic and tender puree; these potatoes are suitable for frying, stewing, preparing salads and any other dishes;
• the Sineglazka potato variety shows resistance to common diseases of nightshade crops (potato canker, late blight, nematode, scab);
• the skin on the tubers is quite thin, so they can be damaged by wireworms - the larvae of the click beetle;
• Blue-eye quickly degenerates, losing its strong qualities, so farmers should not use their own material for planting for several years in a row;
• The Sineglazka harvest is stored poorly, especially in large quantities - most of the tubers are affected by rot;
• For successful storage, potatoes must be placed in small wooden boxes and placed in a spacious dry cellar;
• The yield of Sineglazka and the quality of tubers are highly dependent on weather conditions and soil composition.

Article on the topic: Potato variety “Nart 1” - description and photo

Varietal qualities are fully preserved only in potatoes grown from seeds. In order to grow high-quality Blue-Eyed, which maintains productivity, taste and immunity to disease, it is necessary to regularly update the planting material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Sineglazka would not have maintained its popularity for such a long period of time if it did not have strong qualities. Reviews from summer residents and gardeners about this potato are the most positive - Russians love the Sineglazka variety and are in no hurry to change it to more modern hybrids.

The advantages of the domestic potato variety are as follows:

• excellent taste, pronounced potato taste and aroma;
• wide culinary possibilities (you can cook anything from Sineglazka);
• immunity to the most common infections of nightshade crops;
• large tubers of even shape and beautiful appearance;
• thin peel and superficially located few eyes;
• large growing area;
• high yield.

Among other advantages, people note the greater resistance of Sineglazka to the Colorado potato beetle compared to other popular potato varieties. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.

The Hannibal variety also has disadvantages, which is why this potato is not planted on an industrial scale. Farmers note the following disadvantages:

• rapid and obvious degeneration of planting material;
• shortage of quality seeds on sale;
• unsuitability of tubers for storage;
• possibility of damage to potatoes by wireworms.

Due to the listed shortcomings, they are trying to replace the Sineglazka potato with new, more modern analogues. In recent years, several varieties of potatoes similar to Sineglazka have appeared. The Dubravka potato is called the most popular and successful: the tubers are just as tasty and beautiful, and also have excellent keeping quality.

Many gardeners do not know how to choose the right Sineglazka potatoes for planting and how to propagate them - for this reason, negative reviews about the variety may appear. The fact is that the Hannibal variety produces very few fruits, and collecting seeds from the bushes is problematic. Therefore, propagation and renewal with your own seeds is almost impossible. The best option is to look for agricultural firms that sell seed potatoes that retain varietal characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each potato variety has its own advantages and weaknesses. In the case of Sineglazka potatoes, which are called folk potatoes, they are divided almost equally. Among the advantages are noted:

• high productivity;
• the presence of vitamins and minerals in tubers;
• resistance to viruses;
• suitability for wide use in cooking.

Among the disadvantages are:

• unsuitable for long-term storage;
• inability to purchase seed material;
• mandatory regular renewal of planting material.

Pros and cons of the Sineglazka potato variety

According to its characteristics, Sineglazka potatoes have a number of advantages:

• presentation of tubers;
• thin peel, small number of eyes;
• excellent taste;
• Widely used in cooking (making purees, frying, stewing, etc.);
• immunity to disease.

When choosing Sineglazka potatoes, pay attention to its disadvantages:

• degeneration of the variety over time;
• limited storage period;
• the need for protection from wireworms and other pests.

Planting and caring for Sineglazka potatoes

Before you start planting, you need to prepare the tubers - germinate them. As a rule, by the end of spring, provided they are in the cellar, the root crops themselves are covered with sprouts.

The soil is taken care of in advance. Blue-eye thrives in light, loose soil with neutral acidity. The plant also loves sandy soils, but they will require more frequent watering and an increase in minerals from the owner.

If you are unlucky with the soil on the site, the situation is corrected with the help of manure, sand and humus. It will take more care, but the results are worth it.

Traditionally, the soil is prepared in the fall, freeing it from plant residues. It is recommended to spread manure or humus over the surface. They dig up the ground under Sineglazka with a shovel, removing old weeds from the soil, while trying not to break up huge clods of earth. The fact is that by that time the upper layers of the soil are already occupied by pests. In winter they will die from the cold. As for the clods, under the influence of winds they disintegrate on their own.

Planting of Sineglazka potatoes begins in May. The weather will tell you whether it will be the beginning of the month or its middle. The signal for work is the blossoming birch buds and the soil, which has warmed up to 9 degrees.

Mark the distance between the holes, it should be standard, no more than 30-40 cm. Plant in a checkerboard pattern. The gap between the rows is 70 cm. Potatoes of the Sineglazka variety love sunlight and flat areas. The plant reacts poorly:

• to drafts;
• excess moisture in the soil;
• lack of light.

The first hilling is done when the plant rises 15-20 cm above the ground, the second time after 2-3 weeks. Potatoes of the Sineglazka variety do not need frequent watering. During the growth period, the plant is watered 3-4 times:

• first watering - after germination;
• the second - at the beginning of flowering;
• the third - before its end.

The only reason for more frequent watering can be drought. After flowering ends, it is not recommended to water Sineglazka potatoes.

Care

• The only part of care that needs strict control is watering. This variety needs moderately moist soil; soil that is too dry or too saturated with moisture has a bad effect on the harvest. There is no strict scheme; it must be selected individually depending on the weather. Keep an eye on the soil around the bush - it should be slightly moist, but not wet. It is better to water Sineglazka by completely irrigating the bush with water, and not just pouring water under the root.
• Another necessary procedure is hilling and loosening the soil. During active potato growth, this should be done at least twice, and preferably more. This protects the bush from hypothermia and “hardens” it - in the event of a sharp drop in temperature, the potatoes will not be damaged.
• Along with hilling, the soil must be loosened. This destroys the crust that always forms around the bush and interferes with balanced gas exchange.
• In principle, feeding Sineglazka during the growing season on high-quality soil is not necessary - the variety is already quite productive and produces the necessary substances quite well on its own. But during the immediate formation of tubers, it is better to add a good mineral complex to the soil.
• Blue eyes are excellent at resisting diseases and pests - scab, late blight, nematodes and other troubles usually bypass a healthy plant.

Diseases and pests

Amateur gardeners note the ability of the Sineglazka potato variety to resist viruses and diseases such as nematodes, scab, and late blight; it has a fairly strong immune system. But it’s worth emphasizing right away: this applies to updated planting material. As soon as the owner of the dacha starts the renewal process, the root crops become vulnerable to many potato diseases. What should land owners be wary of? Protect your garden beds:

• from Colorado potato beetles, which destroy the tops and weaken the plant;
• from click beetles, which damage tubers, turning them into easy prey for microbes.

How to deal with pests? The key term for amateur gardeners at all times has been the word “prevention”. As a rule, it begins long before the potatoes are planted.

With clear organization, this will not cause additional trouble and is done unnoticed. Are you getting ready to plant Sineglazka potatoes? Treat it before planting with growth stimulants and special chemicals, add dry mustard to each hole.

During the growing season, remove weeds - they become sources of viruses. If potatoes are damaged by a fungus or attacked by Colorado potato beetles, treat them with insecticides and fungicides.

Have you harvested? Don't rush to leave the area. Check to see if there are any tubers left in the ground. In winter they will begin to rot, creating favorable conditions for bacteria.

Collection and storage of root crops

The timing of full ripening of root crops also depends on the weather conditions of the growing region.

If in the south the vegetable harvest occurs in mid-August, then in temperate climates, Sineglazka potatoes are harvested in mid-September.

A characteristic sign of tuber ripening is yellowed potato tops. Many experienced vegetable growers recommend removing tops 10-14 days before harvesting. In this case, all the power of the plants is directed to the formation of root crops.

Harvesting activities are carried out on a dry day, using shovels or pitchforks as working tools.

The bushes are carefully dug up, and the potatoes are left on the beds to dry. Next, the root crops are cleared of soil, laid out in boxes or canvas bags, and stored in a dark, dry and cool room.

Reviews

“Our family has been growing Sineglazka potatoes for 40 years; our passion for the variety began with our parents. They taught how to collect seeds and store them. So we plant in two ways: seedlings and sprouted tubers. I can’t say which method is better. I recommend using both. After planting, you need to water the soil, and when it dries, loosen it. The same applies to Sineglazka seedlings, which are immersed in the soil up to the first leaves,” Anna Berezhnaya, Rostov-on-Don.

“We have loved the Sineglazka potato for a long time, we cherish it as a treasure and always share planting material. This is the only way to continue the lineage of the famous potato. We try to update planting material every five years. Boil the potatoes and fry them. My children grew up on it, and I feed my grandchildren,” Maria S., village. Maksatikha Tver region.

“We value the Sineglazka potato, so we collect all the advice about it. I share my experience on how to germinate. Place the potatoes in two layers on the floor. Choose a room that is dry, bright, and without drafts. From time to time, turn over and discard rotten tubers with thin sprouts. I’ll say it as a long-time gardener: You should definitely have Blue-Eyed, you won’t find a tastier potato. Plant little by little, it’s easier to preserve,” Ivan Zaitsev, Podolsk.

How to harvest and store crops

Harvest dates depend on the region and time of planting. Potatoes planted in April in the southern regions are ready for harvest in August. In the middle zone, it is best to dig up tubers in September, although you can enjoy young potatoes, which are not intended for storage, as early as June-July.

Find out about the features of storing potatoes in an apartment.

Things to consider when digging up potatoes:

• dig only in dry weather;
• if the tops have not had time to dry, they should be mowed at a level of 10 cm from the ground 1–2 weeks before harvesting so that they do not take away nutrients from the tubers;
• It is better to dig not with a shovel, but with a pitchfork - to avoid damage to root crops;
• The dug tubers should be left in the fresh air for several hours to dry.

Since Sineglazka is poorly stored, it is necessary to create the most optimal conditions for it, then dishes made from it will delight you all winter.
To keep the fruits of the plant as long as possible, you must follow these recommendations:

1. Immediately after digging and drying, the potatoes need to be sorted by size and placed in boxes. Damaged specimens are set aside for food. The best potatoes are selected for future planting.
2. For the first month after harvesting, potato boxes should be kept in a dark and warm room with an average temperature of +15...+18°C. During this time, the skin on the tubers will become harder and the taste will improve.
3. The boxes are put away for the winter in a basement or cellar with an approximate air temperature of +2...+5°C and low humidity. There should be good air circulation in the room.
4. During storage, from time to time it is necessary to sort through the tubers - pick off the sprouts and discard spoiled specimens.

Read in more detail about how to properly and for how long to store potatoes in the cellar.

Disease resistance

Despite the fact that potatoes of this variety have excellent immunity to some diseases, they can still be affected by other diseases due to violations of agricultural practices.

The table below shows diseases and pests that can affect the crop.

If you violate the rules of agricultural technology (excessively water the bushes, use low-quality tubers), then the risk of developing diseases increases. In such cases, it is necessary to spray the bushes with solutions of Maxim, Skor or Topaz.

Below you can see a photo of the affected Sineglazka potato.

Agricultural technology

If you grow potatoes from high-quality planting material obtained from seeds and not contaminated with viruses and bacteria, you can be sure of the result - Sineglazka will not let you down.

Of course, this potato, like the others, prefers loose soils rich in fertilizers; it requires watering, weeding and cultivation. But, as practice shows, even in unfavorable weather conditions and with minimal agricultural technology, the varietal Sineglazka will give a good harvest.

Planting and care

Hannibal tubers must be planted in the second half of April or early May. The exact time of planting is calculated so that the sprouted bushes do not freeze during the May frosts (the timing is individual for each region).

Caring for potato bushes is not difficult, but it must be done - lack of attention will greatly affect the quantity and quality of the harvest. The rules for caring for Sineglazka are simple:

1. These potatoes require moderate watering - the soil is moistened no more than five times during the season. Often, natural precipitation is enough for potatoes to grow normally.
2. The soil must be loosened, and spreading bushes must be hilled. To protect the tubers from overheating and the soil from drying out, it is recommended to use mulch.

3. Feeding for Sineglazka is very important. This large potato prefers root feeding with organic fertilizers, such as slurry or bird droppings diluted in water. Mineral fertilizers in the form of ammonium nitrate, superphosphate or ammonium sulfate are also effective. You should not be overzealous with nitrogen, it will only increase the green mass.
4. Potatoes grown from seeds will remain resistant to diseases for the first couple of years. Subsequently, chemical treatments cannot be avoided, and it is recommended to treat not only the bushes, but also the tubers and the soil before planting. To protect potatoes from wireworms, which can harm the appearance of the tubers, you should spray the plants with insecticides against the click beetle.

5. The best taste is observed in the blue-eye at the end of August. It is during this period that it is recommended to harvest these potatoes. Immediately after digging, the tubers must be dried in the fresh air, so they are left in the open air for 3-5 hours. If the weather is rainy, the crop is laid out to dry under a canopy.