Features of growing Ramona potatoes - what kind of variety is it?


Description of the variety

Table potato variety. Description of the Ramona potato variety as a mid-season variety. The plant matures 80-100 days after planting in the ground. The tops begin to fade after 115-130 days. The duration of development directly depends on the quality of planting tubers, climate and weather conditions of the area.

The yield is always average 10-15t/ha. Gives a good harvest even in hot and dry periods. Experts had the opportunity to conduct several tests during cultivation, and determined that the Ramona variety can produce a yield in the range of 11-34 t/ha, but it all depends on the growing conditions and care of the plant.

Ramona potatoes have an excellent presentation. The fruits grow even and beautiful. Not demanding in care. Grows well in any soil. Copes well with heat and drought. In the southern regions, this potato variety yields twice. Large enterprises purchase it for the preparation of chips and semi-finished products.

Plant characteristics

The bushes are straight, large and lush. It forms and develops quickly. During flowering, it produces corollas of red and purple shades. Under one bush, 16-20 fruits are formed, the weight of which reaches 7-9 kg.

Description of the fruit

General characteristics of the Ramona potato variety have the following qualities:

  • fruits are pink, oval and round in shape: can be large and medium in size;
  • the weight of one potato is 70-90 g;
  • the marketability of Ramona potatoes is very high, approximately 90-94%;
  • the skin is dense;
  • if weather conditions permit and there is little precipitation, the color of the tubers may be light;
  • The eyes on the potatoes are deep and small in size. The pulp is light and dense.

Suitable for preparing any dish. Potatoes crumble when cooked and do not turn black after cooking in any way. Taste qualities are rated 4-6-4.7 points on a five-point scale. Contains starch in an amount of 14-17%. Such indicators significantly exceed the permissible norm. The amount of dry matter is high, in the range of 16-18%. Good keeping quality. Does not germinate during long-term storage. Can produce 6 sprouts. Tolerates transportation normally. Has no ability to get injured during cleaning. But potatoes also have their bad sides. These include the slow initial formation of fruits.

Description of Ramona Potatoes

Table potato variety. Description of the Ramona potato variety as a mid-season variety. The plant matures 80-100 days after planting in the ground. The tops begin to fade after 115-130 days. The duration of development directly depends on the quality of planting tubers, climate and weather conditions of the area.

The yield is always average 10-15t/ha. Gives a good harvest even in hot and dry periods. Experts had the opportunity to conduct several tests during cultivation, and determined that the Ramona variety can produce a yield in the range of 11-34 t/ha, but it all depends on the growing conditions and care of the plant.

Ramona potatoes have an excellent presentation. The fruits grow even and beautiful. Not demanding in care. Grows well in any soil. Copes well with heat and drought. In the southern regions, this potato variety yields twice. Large enterprises purchase it for the preparation of chips and semi-finished products.

Plant characteristics

The bushes are straight, large and lush. It forms and develops quickly. During flowering, it produces corollas of red and purple shades. Under one bush, 16-20 fruits are formed, the weight of which reaches 7-9 kg.

Description of the fruit

General characteristics of the Ramona potato variety have the following qualities:

  • fruits are pink, oval and round in shape: can be large and medium in size;
  • the weight of one potato is 70-90 g;
  • the marketability of Ramona potatoes is very high, approximately 90-94%;
  • the skin is dense;
  • if weather conditions permit and there is little precipitation, the color of the tubers may be light;
  • The eyes on the potatoes are deep and small in size. The pulp is light and dense.

Suitable for preparing any dish. Potatoes crumble when cooked and do not turn black after cooking in any way. Taste qualities are rated 4-6-4.7 points on a five-point scale. Contains starch in an amount of 14-17%. Such indicators significantly exceed the permissible norm.

The amount of dry matter is high, in the range of 16-18%. Good keeping quality. Does not germinate during long-term storage. Can produce 6 sprouts. Tolerates transportation normally. Has no ability to get injured during cleaning. But potatoes also have their bad sides.

These include the slow initial formation of fruits.

Rules for planting in the ground

Tubers must be germinated before planting

Planting time directly depends on the weather conditions and climate in the area where the potatoes will be grown. The plant is considered to be of medium fertility. In order for the tubers to develop normally and begin to form correctly, they will need to be planted in accordance with all conditions and basic rules. It is also necessary to prepare planting material.

  1. It is necessary to plant pure-grade fruits, the weight of which should be 50-100g.
  2. If the tubers are small, approximately 10-20 g in weight, then you need to place 2-4 potatoes in each hole.
  3. In order for the tubers to begin to germinate quickly, and also to obtain simultaneous shoots, it is advisable to keep the potatoes in the light and at a temperature of 14-16°C for a month before planting.
  4. Tubers are treated with mineral fertilizers, wood ash, which must be diluted in water, as well as growth stimulants.
  5. Potatoes are planted only in open ground, as they need a lot of sunlight.
  6. If the soil contains acidity, it should be broken up with lime or dolomite flour.

For clay and loamy soils, you need to add a bucket of peat or manure, per 1 m2 bucket. If the soil is sandy and sandy loam, it will need to be supplemented with clay soil and, of course, peat and humus.

Peat soil can be supplemented with sand, clay, manure and good compost. In the form of mineral fertilizers, a solution is used that you need to prepare yourself. To do this, take 2 tbsp. l. superphosphate, 1 tbsp. l. potassium sulfate and a glass of wood ash.

This solution is used per 1 m2 of area.

Features of cultivation

If the tubers are not germinated before planting, the Romat potatoes will sprout in 3 weeks. If you prepare the fruits in advance, the first shoots will appear much earlier. The basic procedures that need to be done during cultivation are standard, they include weeding and loosening the soil. Removing weeds, adding fertilizers and nutrients, and watering.

The first weeding is carried out between the rows, 5-7 days after germination, no later. Proper loosening of the soil will help speed up the growth of the plant, its development and the formation of fruits. Usually the variety is fed in three stages.

The first time was when the shoots just appeared. The second time is during the budding period, and the third time during flowering. Foliar feeding gives results only when the soil receives all the nutrients in full.

Diseases and pests

The plant can become infected with golden nematode and common scab. But it has strong immunity to the Colorado potato beetle and potato cancer. It does not suffer from virus A and is not manifested by leaf curling. Not very high, but there is resistance to late blight and late blight.

In general, potatoes have strong immunity. That is why the fruits are stored well and for a long time. But in any case, every gardener must take preventive measures. Such procedures have a positive effect on the plant.

To protect the plant from various diseases and the appearance of parasites, copper-containing products are used. If there are not too many pests, you need to use ecological plant substances to protect the potatoes.

Productivity

This type of potato is ideal for sales. It is characterized by high productivity, and its root crops are perfectly preserved for a long time. From one bush you can get up to nine large fruits, that is, up to 800 grams from one bush.

There are almost no small root vegetables. Depending on the fertility of the soil and the time of harvest, the yield ranges from eleven to thirty-two tons per hectare.

Maximum, at the end of the harvest period, it can reach thirty-four tons per hectare.

A little history

As many probably know, potato varieties from Dutch breeders are quite popular due to their high quality. And the variety discussed in this chapter is just one of these.

It was entered into the State Register of Selection Achievements in Russia in 1994, which granted the right to the processes of reproduction and selection in the regions of the state.

It was zoned in the territories of the following regions: Central, Central Black Earth, Volga-Vyatka, Southern and Far Eastern. Potatoes tolerate drought and excessive heat, but are not frost-hardy.

Variety immunity

The variety is disease resistant. Only occasionally it is affected by late blight, potato cancer and tobacco mosaic. Due to unfavorable conditions, it can be affected by nematodes and common scab.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the variety are:

  • wonderful taste;
  • excellent presentation;
  • low percentage of defects;
  • high yield;
  • long-term preservation of the crop, even during transportation;
  • thanks to the dense peel, it is resistant to mechanical damage to the tubers;
  • easily responsive to feeding;
  • tolerates drought well;
  • has good immunity to a number of pests and diseases.

The disadvantages of the variety include the thick peel, although on the one hand it protects from damage and preserves taste properties, but on the other hand it interferes with cleaning. The second disadvantage of potatoes is their low resistance to frost. And finally, the last thing: it may be susceptible to diseases such as scab and nematode.

Selection of planting material

As you yourself know, the correct choice of seed potatoes determines its yield and taste. Before planting potatoes, they must be properly selected and processed.

What rules should be followed when selecting planting material?

  1. Seeds should be prepared for planting in the fall, when we dig up the crop. We dig up the most beautiful, dense and spreading bushes, and leave the root crops in the hole to dry.
  2. We separate potatoes for planting, guided by size and quality. You should not select damaged or rotten tubers. It should be the size of a chicken egg.
  3. Place the selected seed in a warm, dry place. Cannot be placed in direct sunlight. Then we store it in the cellar. It is important not to mix with the rest of the harvest.

If you did not know that tubers for sowing are prepared in advance, use the so-called “peasant” method.

  1. From the existing harvest, you need to separate whole medium-sized potatoes. It is important that there are no cracks or rot on it.
  2. Place it in a dry place and dry it well. And only after that you can start preparing.
  3. Then you should divide them by size. Large, medium and small. And when planting on one row, we plant the same size so that seedlings and harvest are simultaneous.

Interesting! To easily and quickly determine whether a root vegetable is healthy or not, make a solution of urea (1.5 kg of the drug per 10 liters of water) and dip the potatoes in it. The one that falls to the bottom can be used for planting, and the one that remains on top is infected with something.

Having selected the strongest and most promising bushes, mark them, for example, with a bright ribbon. It is recommended to do this, because it is from these fruits that the best planting material for subsequent years can be obtained.

Tuber preparation

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About 2 - 3 weeks before planting potatoes in the ground, we lay out the previously prepared planting material in a warm and dry place where direct sunlight does not reach. To dry and germinate, root crops require a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees.

During this time, the tubers should not be allowed to dry out. To provide them with the necessary amount of moisture, spray them periodically with water.

As a preventive measure against fungal and other diseases, you should use fungicides.

To increase productivity, you can use ash. Sprinkle the wet potatoes with ash and leave to dry for 10 minutes.

Soil preparation

To maximize the yield of the variety, it should be grown in the most illuminated area.

As with other crops, soil preparation should begin in the fall. Initially, the earth is dug up and lime is added to it (1 glass per 1 square meter). In the spring you need to add a complex mixture.

Planting potatoes

Tubers should be planted in well-warmed soil after the end of the period of threats of spring frost. Favorable temperature for planting is from fifteen to twenty degrees. If these conditions are met, seedlings appear quickly and simultaneously, and the yield is high. The ripening period is from 65 to 80 days.

Source: //ogorod.life/sadovodstvo/opisanie-kartofelya-ramona.html

Rules for planting in the ground

Tubers must be germinated before planting

Planting time directly depends on the weather conditions and climate in the area where the potatoes will be grown. The plant is considered to be of medium fertility. In order for the tubers to develop normally and begin to form correctly, they will need to be planted in accordance with all conditions and basic rules. It is also necessary to prepare planting material.

  1. It is necessary to plant pure-grade fruits, the weight of which should be 50-100g.
  2. If the tubers are small, approximately 10-20 g in weight, then you need to place 2-4 potatoes in each hole.
  3. In order for the tubers to begin to germinate quickly, and also to obtain simultaneous shoots, it is advisable to keep the potatoes in the light and at a temperature of 14-16°C for a month before planting.
  4. Tubers are treated with mineral fertilizers, wood ash, which must be diluted in water, as well as growth stimulants.
  5. Potatoes are planted only in open ground, as they need a lot of sunlight.
  6. If the soil contains acidity, it should be broken up with lime or dolomite flour.

For clay and loamy soils, you need to add a bucket of peat or manure, per 1 m2 bucket. If the soil is sandy and sandy loam, it will need to be supplemented with clay soil and, of course, peat and humus. Peat soil can be supplemented with sand, clay, manure and good compost. In the form of mineral fertilizers, a solution is used that you need to prepare yourself. To do this, take 2 tbsp. l. superphosphate, 1 tbsp. l. potassium sulfate and a glass of wood ash. This solution is used per 1 m2 of area.

Features of cultivation

If the tubers are not germinated before planting, the Romat potatoes will sprout in 3 weeks. If you prepare the fruits in advance, the first shoots will appear much earlier. The basic procedures that need to be done during cultivation are standard, they include weeding and loosening the soil. Removing weeds, adding fertilizers and nutrients, and watering.

The first weeding is carried out between the rows, 5-7 days after germination, no later. Proper loosening of the soil will help speed up the growth of the plant, its development and the formation of fruits. Usually the variety is fed in three stages. The first time was when the shoots just appeared. The second time is during the budding period, and the third time during flowering. Foliar feeding gives results only when the soil receives all the nutrients in full.

Diseases and pests

The plant can become infected with golden nematode and common scab. But it has strong immunity to the Colorado potato beetle and potato cancer. It does not suffer from virus A and is not manifested by leaf curling. Not very high, but there is resistance to late blight and late blight.

In general, potatoes have strong immunity. That is why the fruits are stored well and for a long time. But in any case, every gardener must take preventive measures. Such procedures have a positive effect on the plant.

To protect the plant from various diseases and the appearance of parasites, copper-containing products are used. If there are not too many pests, you need to use ecological plant substances to protect the potatoes.

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Ramona potatoes were first grown in the early 90s. During this period, “Ramona” proved itself to be excellent. Gardeners fell in love with the variety due to its taste and external qualities. Ramona potatoes are quite popular among both ordinary summer residents and large farmers.

The most delicious and productive potato varieties:

Diseases and pests of the variety

Ramona is quite resistant to the Colorado potato beetle and potato cancer, A and Yn viruses, and does not suffer from leaf curling. There is some immunity against late blight and fusarium.

Among the diseases that pose a danger to this variety, the following should be highlighted:

  • golden potato nematode;

  • scab.

To prevent nematodes, you should follow some rules:

  • carefully select tubers for storage and planting, leaving only healthy ones;
  • disinfect gardening equipment;
  • follow the rules of crop rotation (this measure is relevant for any diseases);
  • do not use greenhouse soil in the garden;
  • in the fall, do deep digging;
  • before planting, the tubers should be treated with Bulba, Albit, and the area with urea (10 g/m²);
  • increase resistance to nematode ash, superphosphate, potassium fertilizers;
  • Pay special attention to areas where cabbage was grown, since after harvesting, the larvae fall off and remain in the soil.

Copper-based preparations are used to treat plants from diseases and pests; the following products have proven themselves to be effective:

  1. Nemabact . Use according to instructions.
  2. BI-58 or 0.02% mercaptophos solution . Sick plants are sprayed every 6 days.

To prevent scab, correct crop rotation and the application of acidic fertilizers are effective. But organic matter, especially not completely rotted manure, can cause the development of scab. Fungazil, Aquaflo and other fungicides are used as therapeutic agents.

The history of the origin of the Ramona potato variety

The origin of Ramona potatoes is seed (Netherlands).

The year of registration in the State Register of Russia is 1994.

The table below presents data on the yield of other potato varieties:

NameVarietyProductivity
NikulinskyLate ripeningFrom 170 to 300 centners per hectare.
CardinalLate ripeningFrom 200 to 350 centners of potatoes are harvested from 1 hectare.
RoccoLate ripeningFrom 350 to 400 centners per hectare.
KiwiLate ripeningFrom 1 kg of planting tubers it reaches 20 kg.
PicassoLate ripeningFrom 1 hectare about 20 tons.
BorovichokEarly ripening200-250 centners per 1 hectare of land.
ElmundoEarly ripening250-350 centners per hectare.
FeloxEarly ripening250 centners per hectare.
BellarosaEarly ripeningThe harvest from one bush is 8-10 tubers.
NatashaEarly ripeningFrom 130 to 190 centners per hectare.
Forty daysExtra earlyUp to 300 centners of potatoes are harvested from one hectare of soil.
KaratopExtra earlyFrom 18.5 to 27 tons per hectare (Middle Volga region), from 20 to 43.5 tons per hectare (Northwestern region). The maximum yield is 50 tons per hectare.
RivieraExtra earlyAfter the first digging on the 45th day after the emergence of potato shoots, it ranges from 134 to 225 centners per hectare. The maximum yield by the end of the growing season reaches 450 centners per hectare.
Zhukovsky earlyExtra earlyThe harvest from one bush is up to 15 tubers.
MinervaExtra earlyFertile soils allow you to harvest the first harvest of up to 230 centners per hectare. By the end of the growing season (45-50 days), the maximum yield is achieved - up to 430 centners per hectare.
CraneMid-late640 centners per hectare.
SorcererMid-lateProductivity varies from 27 to 35 tons per hectare.
MozartMid-lateThe average yield is approximately 430 c/ha.
GrenadaMid-lateFrom one hectare you can harvest up to 60 tons of potatoes.
RamonaMid-lateThe yield is consistently average from 10 to 15 tons per hectare.
YankaMid-earlyThe average yield ranges from 195 to 315 centners per hectare.
GiantMid-earlyThe average harvest ranges from 290 to 424 centners per hectare.
TuscanyMid-earlyProductivity varies from 210 to 400 centners per hectare.
Purple HazeMid-earlyProductivity varies from 182 to 309 centners per hectare.
SantanaMid-earlyThe average yield varies from 164 to 384 centners per hectare.

Recommended regions for cultivation:

  • Central;
  • Volgo-Vyatsky;
  • Far Eastern;
  • Southern;
  • Perm region.

The Dutch have developed the potato of the future:

Characteristics and history of the variety's creation

The breeding of the Romano variety was carried out by breeders of the Dutch company AGRICO UA. The culture was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 1994.

Description of the variety is presented in the table:

The photo shows the Romano potato variety.

Description of the variety

Roots:

  • The tubers are light pink in color, with a dense, strong skin;
  • They have a regular round-oval shape;
  • Small eyes, medium deep;
  • The pulp is creamy when cut, dense;
  • Starch content varies from 14 to 17%;
  • Average weight 70-90 grams;
  • The harvest from one bush is from 16 to 20 tubers.

Bushes:

  • The plant is erect, spreading and tall;
  • Quickly forming bushes with high foliage;
  • The flowers are red or light purple;
  • The corolla is reddish-violet, medium-sized.

Characteristics of the variety

Raymond potatoes (also called Romano or Ramona) are mid-early varieties. The ripening period for potatoes is 2.5 months.

Potato Ramona

The climate of the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine allows you to harvest twice in 1 year.

Description of Ramona Potatoes:

  • The peel is smooth and thick, pink in color;
  • Tubers are elongated or round with a smooth surface;
  • The pulp is light with a yellow undertone;
  • The eyes are small, go deep inside the tuber;
  • The average starch content is 15%, which is high, which means that the potatoes boil well during the cooking process;
  • The tubers are of average size, with a maximum weight of 90 g.

Variety characteristics:

  • Highest marketability rate - 94%;
  • The tops are powerful, the trunk is tall and straight, the inflorescences are small and purple;
  • Potato yield from 1 bush – 9 pcs., total weight – up to 800 g;
  • Productivity, depending on the soil and planting region, ranges from 110-340 c/ha;
  • Does not germinate during prolonged storage.

Advantages and disadvantages

Potatoes of the Ramona variety have the following advantages:

  • Excellent presentation, leveled tomatoes;
  • Undemanding to the type of soil;
  • Excellent drought tolerance;
  • Capable of producing double harvest per season.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with potato varieties that have different ripening periods:

Late ripeningEarly ripeningVery earlyMid-lateMid-early
NikulinskyBorovichokForty daysCraneYanka
CardinalElmundoKaratopSorcererGiant
RoccoFeloxRivieraMozartTuscany
KiwiBellarosaZhukovsky earlyGrenadaPurple Haze
Ivan da MaryaNatashaFarmerMelodyOpenwork
PicassoArielMinervaMargaritaSantana
AsterixQueen AnneVenetaRamonaDesiree
SlavArosaKirandaDolphinLady Claire

Existing disadvantages:

  • Tubers form slowly at the initial stage;
  • Average yield.

Peculiarities

Characteristics:

  1. Refers to mid-season varieties. The growing season lasts from 80 to 100 days;
  2. The yield is consistently average from 10 to 15 tons per hectare. Will provide a guaranteed harvest even in arid regions. The maximum yield reaches 34 tons per hectare;
  3. The variety is a table variety. In terms of taste, on a five-point scale it is estimated at 4.6-4.7 points;
  4. It has a tendency to degenerate, so constant renewal of seed material is necessary.

Economic characteristics

General characteristics of the Ramona potato variety:

  • The purpose of the Ramona potato variety is table use. Versatile in preparation. The pulp is crumbly and does not darken after baking, boiling, or frying. The taste rating in the Register is 4.6-4.7 points on a five-point scale.
  • Dry matter content is high 16-18%.
  • The content of starch in the Romana potato variety exceeds the norm - 14-17%.
  • High degree of keeping quality. Does not germinate for a long time during storage. Forms 6-8 sprouts.
  • Resistant to damage during cleaning, transportation, and storage.

Read more about the storage time and temperature of potatoes, and the problems that arise. And also about how to store root vegetables in winter, how to do it in a vegetable store, in an apartment and cellar, on the balcony and in drawers, in the refrigerator and in peeled form.

Correct fit

How to plant planting material correctly:

  • Tubers must be germinated before planting. They are laid out in a bright, warm place for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. All planting material should receive uniform lighting for at least 8 hours a day. In the room you need to maintain optimal humidity from 85 to 90%;
  • Give preference to planting material whose sprouts are 0.5-1.0 cm;
  • The tubers are planted in soil heated to +15-+20 ºС. The distance between the bushes is 35 cm, the row spacing is at least 60 cm. Whole planting material is arranged at the top with sprouts, cut ones are cut down;
  • To improve the agrophysical properties of heavy, clayey soils during the autumn digging period, it is necessary to add river sand and wood ash to the soil. During repeated digging in the spring, add amophoska or ammonium nitrate, urea;
  • In loamy, heavy soil, tubers are buried to a depth of 6-8 cm. On sandy loam and sandy soils, planted to a depth of 8 to 10 cm. A planting depth of up to 12-15 cm will prevent the planting material from drying out in arid regions;
  • Placing a handful of onion and garlic peels in each hole is a preventive measure against potato nematodes, as well as against attacks by wireworm larvae and May beetles.

Further care includes the following activities:

  • It is necessary to carry out five loosenings per season. The resulting soil crust is carefully hoeed before the shoots appear;
  • Hilling is carried out two or three times during the growing season;
  • Tubers form even with low soil moisture. During the dry period, one watering of row spacing with an interval of 7-10 days is sufficient;
  • You can protect potato plantings from weeds by mulching;
  • To improve the quality of products in the flowering phase and ripening of root crops, plants are fed using nitrogen or organic fertilizers.

Features of agricultural technology

Like most Dutch varieties, it is prone to degeneration , so the seed material is regularly renewed.

When the supply of planting tubers is independently renewed during flowering, the strongest, most abundantly flowering bushes are noticed. The consumption of seed tubers with a fraction of 35-55 mm for planting per hectare is 50,000 pieces.


Before planting, the tubers are germinated, spread out in a bright, warm place for 3-4 weeks. All tubers should be evenly illuminated for at least 8 hours a day. The room maintains an optimal humidity of 85-90%.

Large tubers are cut into pieces with a sharp knife dipped in a strong solution of potassium permanganate the day before planting. Planting material with sprouts of 0.5-1 cm is selected.

Planting is done in soil heated to +15-20°C according to a 60x35 cm pattern. Planting tubers are placed with the sprouts up, the slices with the cut down.

During cultivation, crop rotation is observed. On large areas, the yield increases after perennial and annual grasses, grains, legumes, winter crops, flax, rapeseed, phacelia, and rapeseed.

Good green manures for this potato variety in the garden include white mustard, peas, zucchini, and pumpkin. Mustard will prevent the soil from being blown out and washed away and will repel wireworms. Legumes will provide Ramona's favorite nitrogen.

To improve the agrophysical properties of heavy, clayey soils, river sand and wood ash are added during autumn digging. When digging again in spring, add amophoska or ammonium nitrate, urea (10 g/m²).

If the groundwater is close, it is better to plant Ramona in ridges. This will increase the access of oxygen to the root system and reduce the incidence of fungal diseases on the tubers.

Agronomists recommend orienting planting ridges from east to west . This will give the potatoes more sunlight.

On loamy, heavy soils, tubers are planted in holes 6-8 cm deep. Planting depth in sandy loam and sandy soils is 8-10 cm. To prevent tubers from drying out in areas with an arid climate, the depth is increased to 12-15 cm.

"Ramona" is often affected by potato nematode. To prevent the disease and protect against wireworm larvae and May beetles, experienced potato growers recommend placing a handful of garlic and onion peels in each hole.

Over the entire growing season, Ramona requires up to five loosenings . When a soil crust forms, before germination appears, the soil is carefully hoeed. Hill up 2-3 times over the summer - manually or using a walk-behind tractor.

Potato variety "Ramona" forms tubers even with low soil moisture . During drought, one-time watering between rows for 7-10 days is sufficient. Mulching will help protect plantings from weeds.

To improve the quality of products during the flowering period and ripening of tubers, plants are supported with nitrogen or organic fertilizers . When spraying bushes during bud setting with 0.05% aqueous solutions of copper sulfate, zinc sulphate, boric acid, the yield increases by 8-10%.

Read more about how to feed potatoes, what fertilizers are best, when and how to apply them, and how to do it correctly when planting.

A week before harvesting, the tops are mowed. Dig up potatoes in dry weather. The tubers are dried and sorted before storing.

Read useful and interesting articles about a variety of ways to grow potatoes: Dutch technologies and caring for early varieties, how to get a good harvest without weeding and hilling. And also what is the difference between these methods: under straw, in barrels, in bags, in boxes.

Despite average yields, “Ramona” has taken root in domestic fields due to its unpretentiousness, drought resistance, good resistance to diseases and the Colorado potato beetle, and excellent taste.

Reviews about the variety

Reviews about Ramona potatoes are only positive. The variety is popular among gardeners. The fruits have excellent taste and versatility of use. In addition, they have a good presentation.

The average yield of the Ramona potato did not prevent it from taking root in household plots. Vegetable growers value it for its unpretentiousness, drought resistance, good resistance to diseases and the Colorado potato beetle, as well as for its excellent taste.

Vegetable growers often do not want to experiment when choosing tuber varieties for cultivation. Proven potatoes are easier to grow with minimal costs, and the likelihood of getting a stable harvest is very high. After all, when investing, you want to get the maximum return in the form of vitamins and high-quality vegetables. Then professionals advise choosing the Ramona potato variety, but not forgetting about the agrotechnical features of its cultivation.

Characteristics and description

general characteristics

Potatoes "Ramona" are mid-season varieties . Tubers ripen in a period of 80 to 100 days. The timing of harvesting depends on the quality of seed potatoes and the climatic characteristics of the growing region. The variety's yield is average, but it produces a large percentage of marketable yield (up to 94%).

Description of appearance and photo

Escapes

Potato bushes of this variety grow upright, are distinguished by spreading crowns, dense foliage, and medium-high stems. The inflorescences of the crops are colored in reddish or light purple shades. The corollas are not very large. Color: violet-red.

Roots

Ramona tubers have a round-oval shape. The light red peel is quite strong and dense. The juicy, light pink flesh is slightly creamy when cut. Potato eyes are small, slightly recessed. From 16 to 20 tubers are collected from one bush.

Seeding rate and yield

On one hundred square meters of planting area, with a distance between rows of 60 cm, 16 rows are placed. For the Ramona variety, a distance of 35 cm is recommended between crops, so the consumption of potatoes in a row is 28 pieces. 448 seed tubers are used on 1 acre . With an average weight of vegetables of 70–90 g, you will need from 31.3 to 40.3 kg of potatoes per 1 hundred square meters. Then, per 1 ha, the consumption of tubers will be from 3.13 to 4.3 tons.

The Ramona variety has an average but stable yield. From 10 to 15 tons of products are collected from 1 hectare. In variety trials, on average, from 11 to 32 tons were collected from 1 hectare. The harvest is guaranteed even in regions with dry weather conditions. The largest figure was 34 tons.

Taste qualities

The popularity of the Ramona variety among farmers is precisely explained by the excellent taste of the potato. The pulp of vegetables is very crumbly . In the Register, the taste qualities of potatoes are rated 4.7 out of five.

Chemical composition

The starch content in tubers is 14–17%. The calorie content of 100 g of potatoes does not exceed 80 kcal. Moreover, this amount contains only 2% proteins, 0.6% fats and up to 13% carbohydrates.

It is worth noting the presence of organic acids in vegetables: oxalic, malic, citric. A high concentration of B vitamins, carotenoids, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and potassium are noted.

Average tuber weight

Potatoes weigh on average from 70 to 90 g. For planting, it is recommended to select larger tubers. With proper agricultural technology, it is possible to grow tubers weighing 100 g or more.

Marketability

The Ramona variety is valued for its high-quality appearance . The tubers are well stored and have a low degree of damage. The average commercial yield ranges from 90% to 94%.

Resistance to diseases and pests


Potatoes "Ramona" are characterized by high resistance to diseases and pests such as:

Keeping quality

The Ramona variety has a high shelf life. When stored, tubers do not germinate for a long time. In total it produces from 6 to 8 sprouts. Average shelf life is 90–95%.

Where is it used?

Vegetables are indispensable products in cooking. Semi-finished products, French fries, and chips are prepared from the Ramona table variety. The pulp is almost uncooked, and the taste is reminiscent of another high-quality variety, “Nevsky”.

In which regions of Russia is it usually grown?

Most often, the Ramona variety is cultivated in the regions:

  1. Central.
  2. Yuzhny.
  3. Volga-Vyatka.
  4. Perm region.
  5. Far Eastern.

These potatoes can be successfully grown on any type of soil. In the southern regions, two harvests are obtained per season.

Ramona potatoes - what kind of variety are they?

The Ramona potato was bred by Dutch breeders. The variety was brought to Russia in the 90s of the twentieth century. The bushes are tall, with an abundance of green mass. During flowering, lilac-red buds bloom. The ground part fades after 120-130 days.

Additional Information . Potato tubers are capable of accumulating a toxin called corned beef. The substance appears under the influence of the sun and becomes noticeable by the green color of the peel.

Ripening period, harvest amount

The variety refers to potatoes with an average ripening period. The harvest period depends on weather conditions and the growing region. Ripening usually occurs 85-100 days after planting.


Potato Ramona

One potato bush is capable of growing 16-20 root crops. Potatoes weigh 70-90 grams. 10-15 tons of vegetables are harvested per hectare.

Disease resistance

The variety has average resistance to late blight. Excellent resistance to potato cancer. Ramona may be affected by nematodes and scab.

Potato bushes are resistant to the invasion of the Colorado potato beetle.

Description of tubers and their characteristics

Oval root vegetables are colored pink. The eyes are small and few in number. The pulp is dense, yellow in color.

The amount of starch in root vegetables is 14-17%. Potatoes have a high shelf life and are well stored and transported.


Ramona potato pulp is yellow in color

What regions is it suitable for?

Ramona is recommended for landing on the territory of Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus.

In Russia, potatoes will develop well in the following regions: Southern, Central, Volga-Vyatka, Perm Territories, as well as in the Far East.

Taste qualities

Tasters rated Ramona's potatoes 4.7 out of 5. The purpose of the variety is table.

For reference! Tubers are versatile in cooking. They are tasty, do not darken after cooking, and boil well.

Advantages and disadvantages


The variety is characterized by a large number of advantageous features:

  1. Excellent presentation.
  2. Evenness of tubers.
  3. Undemanding to the composition of the soil.
  4. Drought resistant.
  5. The ability to produce a double harvest per season in the southern regions.

Among the disadvantages are:

  1. Slow formation of potato tubers at the initial stage of cultivation.
  2. Instability to golden nematode, scab, low resistance to physarium and late blight of tubers.
  3. Average yield.
  4. The need for constant updating of planting material.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Ramona's positive qualities include the following characteristics:

  • excellent taste of tubers;
  • good keeping quality and transportability;
  • ability to bear fruit twice a year;
  • drought resistance of plants;
  • ease of care.

The disadvantages of the variety include poor formation of tubers at the initial stage of development.

Note! Potatoes of the Ramona variety are prone to degeneration, so the seed material must be periodically renewed.

Comparison table with other species

Tuber weights

Variety nameProduct weight (average in grams)
"Ramona"70–90
"Courage"100–140
"Granada"80–100
"Beauty"250–300
"Sheri"100–160
"Dolphin"100–115
"Blue"90–110

Yield

Variety nameProductivity of the variety (in tons per 1 ha)
"Ramona"10–15
"Courage"16–27
"Granada"60
"Beauty"40–45
"Sheri"17–37
"Dolphin"22,8–37,4
"Blue"50

Starch content

Variety nameStarchy content (in % ratio)
"Ramona"14–17
"Courage"13–20
"Granada"10–17
"Beauty"15–19
"Sheri"10–15
"Dolphin"10–14
"Blue"17–19

Step-by-step instructions for growing

Inventory


For high-quality planting and further cultivation use:

  • bayonet shovels or large pitchforks (for large areas - mini-tractors, potato planters, diggers);
  • bags, nets or boxes - for harvesting vegetables;
  • hoes, rakes, rippers - for cleaning areas, caring for bushes;
  • watering cans, hoses, drip irrigation systems - for watering;
  • tarpaulins, oilcloths, covering materials - for preparing vegetables for storage.

When planting, caring for crops, harvesting potatoes, storing in cellars or pantries, it is recommended to use fabric gloves.

Preparation

Soils

The soil is prepared in the fall. Be sure to do a deep digging. The planting site is selected taking into account crop rotation. Productivity increases in the beds after :

  • herbal crops;
  • grains, including winter ones;
  • legumes;
  • rapeseed;
  • flax;
  • zucchini;
  • white mustard;
  • pumpkin

Do not use areas where nightshade crops, such as tomatoes, were harvested.

The variety is responsive to nitrogenous soil. To improve heavy and loamy soils, sand and wood ash are added when digging in the fall, and in the spring they are fertilized with ammophos or urea (10 g per 1 square meter of area).

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Groundwater should not lie close to the planting areas, but if this cannot be avoided, then the variety is recommended to be planted in ridges, which are placed according to technology from east to west. In this case, the potatoes will receive more necessary sunlight, soil aeration will improve, and the likelihood of fungal damage will decrease. In the spring, the beds are cleaned, dug up, and the soil is leveled with a rake, breaking up large clods. Shortly before planting, during drought, it is worth irrigating the area.

Planting material


About a month before the start of sowing, the tubers need to be germinated . They are laid out in a bright room at a temperature of +14 degrees. Humidity should be 90%. Planting material is treated with growth stimulants, wood ash and minerals.

Potatoes for sowing are calibrated. It is recommended to use tubers weighing 80 g. The sprouts of planting potatoes should be 0.5–1 cm in size. Large vegetables are cut the day before planting with a knife treated in a solution of potassium permanganate.

Boarding time

The main condition for starting to plant the Ramona variety in the beds is soil heated from +16 to +20 degrees.

In the southern regions, work begins in late April - early May. In the Moscow region - from mid-May. In the Urals and Siberia - from late spring or early June. The timing will depend on weather conditions.

Planting scheme

The depth of planting tubers in loamy and heavy soils is from 6 to 8 cm. In sandy loam and sandy beds - from 8 to 10 cm. Indentations of 35 cm are made between potato bushes. The distance between rows should be 60 cm. Whole tubers are laid out in sprouts up, and cut potatoes - cut side down.

Hilling

Adding moist soil helps strengthen potato roots, protect them from cold, and increase productivity and immunity. It is recommended to do the procedure two to three times throughout the entire season. The first time is earthed up after the sprouts reach 10 cm, the second time during budding, the third time during flowering. On small-sized beds, you can use a hoe , hill up the bushes manually, on large sown areas it is better to use a walk-behind tractor.

Watering

The variety's tubers form well even with little soil moisture. Irrigation is carried out as needed. During drought, the inter-row spaces are watered once every 7-10 days.

Loosening

During the entire growing season, the Ramona potato variety requires 5 loosenings. It is recommended to carefully treat the soil with a hoe even before germination.

Loosening is done after each watering to prevent the formation of a hard crust, which impedes the growth of crops.

Weeding

The beds are cleared of weeds as needed. The first weeding is done 5–7 days after the shoots appear. The procedure is necessary as a preventive measure against potato pests and diseases.

Top dressing


To improve the quality of varietal products during flowering and ripening of tubers, crops are fed with nitrogen and organic nutrients. During the budding period, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate (concentration 0.05%), the substance can be replaced with a solution of zinc sulfate or boric acid. As a result of such fertilizing, the yield of the variety increases by 8–10%.

Other measures

To retain moisture between rows during the dry season, professional gardeners advise using mulching. Covering with peat, straw, and grass will not only reduce the cost of irrigating the site, but will also protect the plantings from sudden cold weather and abundant weeds.

Planting and growing varieties

Activities for planting and growing Ramona potatoes are not much different from the same work with other varieties. However, there are still some nuances, which we will discuss in more detail below.

Optimal planting dates

Planting times depend on the specific region. You should focus on the soil temperature: when the fertile layer warms up to +6...+8°C at a depth of 10-12 cm, you can begin planting in previously prepared soil. Depending on the latitude, this can be March in the south and until mid-April in the northern regions.

There are several ways to determine whether the soil is ready for planting:

  1. Dig a hole 14-17 cm deep, take a lump of earth from the bottom of the hole, throw it on solid soil. If the lump has broken up into pieces, you can plant it; if it has just become crushed, it’s early; if it has crumbled, you need to plant it as quickly as possible.
  2. Run the rod over the plowed soil. If the soil crumbles, you can plant; if a crushed groove remains, it’s too early.
  3. Focus on the air temperature: during the day it should rise to +14°C and above, and at night it should not fall below +5°C.

Keep in mind that short-term frosts are not scary for Ramona; she tolerates them quite well in the soil (down to -5°C).

Crop rotation rules

When choosing a site for planting, you should remember the rules of crop rotation: by following this simple but very effective agricultural technique, you can significantly increase the yield, without additional fertilizer.

Did you know? With the deterioration of climatic conditions and a decrease in the duration of summer, larger tubers must be used for planting potatoes.
That is, if in the southern regions of Russia and throughout Ukraine, tubers weighing 70-80 g are quite acceptable for planting, then in the northern regions the minimum weight of planting material should be at least 100 g. For potatoes, the following crops are good predecessors:

  • legumes;
  • early cabbage;
  • cucumbers;
  • green manure.

It is permissible to grow after:

  • root vegetables;
  • cabbage;
  • greenery;
  • onions and garlic.

And after the following vegetables, potatoes grow poorly:

  • tomatoes;
  • pepper;
  • eggplant;
  • potato.

Soil requirements

The best type of soil for planting potatoes is a light, loose substrate, sandy rather than clayey, preferably slightly acidic sandy loam or loam (pH 5.1-6.0). Acidic or alkaline soil is absolutely unsuitable for the crop.

You can check the acidity using bird cherry leaves, do it as follows:

  1. Brew 4-6 leaves of the plant in 200 ml of boiling water, cool.
  2. After cooling, throw a lump of earth into the glass.
  3. After 2 minutes, consider the color of the infusion: red - sour, green - slightly acidic (the best option for potatoes), bluish - neutral pH.

However, if the site you choose does not correspond to the recommended soil type, do not despair: you will just have to put in a little more work. By applying appropriate fertilizers and fertilizing (more on this will be discussed below), it is quite possible to achieve the desired result.

The place should not be shaded, preferably located on a slight elevation, with low groundwater levels. Potatoes need to be planted quite early, and in the lowlands, due to melting snow, the soil remains wet for quite a long time.

Important! Acidity can be checked without the help of tests, focusing solely on the weeds that are most common in the area. It is advisable to plant potatoes where dandelion, clover, coltsfoot, and wheatgrass grow.

It is advisable that the planting area be fenced from the north with tall vegetation (trees, shrubs). This combination is rare, so it will be easier to plant some kind of shrub (hawthorn, thorn) on the north side, along the perimeter.

After a suitable area has been found, in order to eliminate as much as possible the likelihood of diseases occurring, all plant debris is removed, and the area is treated with a 0.3% solution of copper sulfate. Copper-based fungicides (against late blight) can be used. During spring preparatory work, immediately before planting, treat the soil with TMTD solution, according to the instructions.

Preparation of planting material

20-25 days before the intended planting, the tubers are taken out to an open place, well lit by the sun. The tubers are evenly laid out and kept for 8-10 hours daily. In this case, you need to try to ensure a sufficiently high humidity (80-90%).

Large tubers are cut into pieces so that each of the resulting pieces has 2-3 sprouts. Suitable for planting is material whose sprouts have reached 1 cm in length. Before planting, tubers are treated with ash and growth stimulants.

Landing technology

If heavy clay soils predominate in the place you have chosen for planting, during autumn agricultural work, river sand and ash are added to the substrate. In early spring, shortly before planting, ammophoska, ammonium nitrate or urea are added at the rate of 100 g/10 m². In addition, fertilizing with organic matter (peat, manure) - 10 l/m² - will not hurt.

Did you know? As you know, the family to which potatoes belong is called Solanaceae. The closest relatives of potatoes, as it is not surprising, are tomatoes, eggplants, nightshade and tobacco.

In the autumn, when digging, you should add clay soil, peat and a layer of fertile humus (1 bucket/m²) to the sandy soil.

If the peat type of substrate predominates in the future location of the potato rows, it is diluted with sand, clay, manure and compost (only fully ripened).

The following solution is used as mineral supplements:

  • superphosphate - 30 g;
  • potassium sulfate - 15 g;
  • ash - 100 g.

The number of components is calculated per 1 m² of area; they should be dissolved in the required volume of water and added with irrigation. The volume of water depends on the degree of dryness of the soil: if it is dry, you can use more liquid, if it is normal, less. The average value is 1 bucket.


Regardless of the soil type and planting method (manually, using a walk-behind tractor, etc.), the planting pattern is 0.35-0.4 m between adjacent bushes, and 0.6-0.7 m between rows. In heavy soils, tubers should be buried at 6-9 cm, in sandy substrates and sandy loam - at 8-10 cm. If you live in regions with a dry climate, tubers should be buried at 12-16 cm, this will help retain the required amount of moisture.

A few simple tips will help you get a decent potato harvest:

  • it is advisable to break the rows, oriented along the east-west line;
  • for cultivation, you need to use pure tubers that have not been pollinated by other varieties;
  • tuber weight for planting - 60-80 g;
  • Along with the tuber, you can put a handful of onion or garlic peels into the soil; such a simple technique will repel many insects and nematodes.

Diseases and pests

Struggle

As a result of incorrect cultivation techniques, there is a high probability of Ramona potatoes being damaged by the following diseases and pests:

  • ordinary scab;
  • late blight of tubers;
  • fusarium;
  • potato nematode (golden);
  • wireworms.

To get rid of scab, you should not apply pure organic matter to infected areas as top dressing; it is better to use rotted manure.

During the flowering period, potatoes are watered abundantly. It is recommended to acidify the soil by adding 0.5 liters of ammonium sulfate solution under each bush during flowering (2 large spoons of the substance are diluted in 10 liters of water).


An effective remedy for late blight is considered to be foliar treatment of shrubs with milk with a small amount of iodine. Three times a month, use a solution of copper sulfate (add 2 g of the substance to 10 liters of water). You can spray with a solution of Bordeaux mixture (concentration 1%) of liquid. Treatment is stopped 14 days before potato harvesting.

Treatment with Ridomil Gold during the period of foliage formation helps protect crops from late blight; the procedure is repeated after two weeks. Then, at intervals of 14 days, it is recommended to use the drug "Skor". The following remedies are used against fusarium :

Helps fight potato nematode:

  • biological drug "Nemabact";
  • special soil mixture “Protection”.

Infected bushes are removed from the area, and the remaining holes are treated with urea.

Medicines are used for wireworms:

It is recommended to mulch potato furrows with pine branches.

Prevention

The following actions are recommended as preventive measures against potato pests and diseases:

  1. Accounting for crop rotation. It is useful to plant the variety after legumes. Repeated sowing of potatoes in the same place is avoided.
  2. Proper preparation of tubers for planting. Be sure to carry out germination and treat the potatoes with potassium permanganate or fungicidal agents.
  3. Elimination of artificial alkalization of the soil. This will prevent the development of scab.
  4. Regular weeding, loosening the beds, watering during the growing season.
  5. Application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers several times per season to prevent the development of late blight.
  6. Adding onion peels, ash, and mustard powder to the holes when planting. This will also repel pests - wireworms, nematodes, and prevent the development of scab, late blight, and fusarium.
  7. Thorough digging of the site in preparation for planting work.
  8. Taking into account the correct planting pattern.

Don’t forget about high-quality harvesting, proper storage of tubers, and subsequent sorting of vegetables.

How to properly care for the variety

To obtain an abundant and high-quality harvest, potatoes are taken care of: watered, fed, hilled, and loosened. Each of the procedures is important and is performed at a certain time.

Features of watering

When the sprouts that appear on the surface of the earth reach 8-10 centimeters, the first watering is carried out. During this period, moisture is necessary for the development of green mass.

The bushes are watered a second time during the flowering period. Water will help increase the number of root vegetables.


Drip irrigation of potatoes

The third watering is carried out after flowering to gain weight of potatoes. Use warm, settled water. If there is heavy rainfall during the season, the amount of watering is reduced.

Feeding and fertilizing

A good fertilizer for potatoes is a solution of bird droppings. It is prepared from the following components:

  • 1 part of litter;
  • 20 parts water.

Use the suspension immediately after preparation. Fertilize after watering or rain. Apply 1 liter of solution to each bush.

Hilling and weeding

The hilling procedure is carried out several times a season. It performs several functions: it helps retain moisture in the ground, keeps the bushes upright, and prevents the tubers from turning green.

Simultaneously with hilling, weeding is carried out. At the same time, the earth is loosened and weeds, which are carriers of pests and diseases, are cut off. In addition, weeding helps prevent the formation of crust on the soil surface.


Hilling potato bushes

Collection and storage

A week before harvesting, carefully mow down the yellowed potato tops in the beds. Dig up tubers in dry weather. After harvesting, the vegetables are dried, sorted, and placed in wooden boxes, nets or fabric bags. Basements where the Ramona variety is stored must be equipped with high-quality ventilation. A favorable temperature regime for potatoes is considered to be from +2 to +4 degrees. Optimal humidity is from 80 to 90%.

Despite the average yield of the variety, when properly grown, fairly large tubers of excellent commercial quality are harvested. These vegetables are superior in taste to most other types of potatoes, which is why “Ramona” is loved by many farmers and gourmets.

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Collection, storage and use of crops

Experienced farmers advise mowing the tops 6-7 days before harvesting . Digging should be carried out in dry, sunny weather. Sort the tubers and dry in the sun for 2-3 days. A special feature of the Romano variety is the slow development of tubers. Therefore, when planting in the second ten days of May, digging is carried out in mid-August.

The harvest is stored all winter until the next season in a cool place . Tubers are placed in boxes or bags. A layer of beets is laid on top, which absorbs excess moisture, preventing the tubers from rotting.

If there is no cellar, but you need to stock up on potatoes for the winter, a balcony or loggia is suitable for storage. The tubers are placed in homemade boxes made of polystyrene foam or boards and placed on a raised platform so that the bottom does not touch the floor and the fruits do not freeze. Old blankets, corrugated cardboard, and foil material are used as insulation.

There are balcony cellars on sale that resemble a large backpack. Their volume is designed to store 1-3 bags of potatoes at air temperatures down to -40°C. The cellars are powered from the mains, consuming 120-240 W.

Romano potatoes are suitable for boiling, stewing, baking, frying . The pulp does not overcook and retains its shape. When deep fried, a crispy golden crust is formed.

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