Potato variety - Riviera: history and characteristics, planting and care

Riviera potatoes are a super early Dutch variety. It ripens so quickly that one and a half months is the deadline for harvesting.

The description of a wonderful variety can begin with any characteristic. In each case, positive qualities will be evident:

1. The appearance of root vegetables is quite attractive. The peel is dense, but with a smooth surface. Roughness does not spoil the neatness of the tubers. The skin color is light yellow, the eyes are very shallow. The pulp is grainy, tasty, with a creamy tint. Becomes crumbly after heat treatment. The tubers are smooth, oval in shape, and gain weight up to 170 g.
2. Nutritional value. The ultra-early Riviera potato variety contains more than 18% starch, vitamins, proteins, amino acids and minerals. Indicated for children's and dietary nutrition.

3. The bush forms tall and erect. This is a good protection for row spacing from drying out. The flowers are collected in a corolla with a reddish-violet color. The leaves on the trunks are large, dark green, with wavy edges. The root system is very powerful, which allows for productivity even during dry periods. Such roots can provide the plant with moisture in any soil.
4. High resistance to diseases. Common potato diseases do not have time to affect the Riviera variety, due to the short growing season. Only 40 days pass before the harvest ripens. Therefore, early Riviera potatoes practically do not get sick.

Classic agricultural technology for early potato varieties.

Origin of the variety

Thanks to selection, potato varieties have been developed that grow successfully in any climate, one of them is “Riviera”. This is the fruit of the work of Dutch breeders from the Agrico holding, which is an association of farmers specializing in potatoes. The company has been operating since the 80s. twentieth century, growing tubers for seeds in their fields. The “Riviera” variety was included in the State Plant Register of the Russian Federation in 2013. The Agrico holding also owns the authorship of popular potato varieties - Ariel, Romano, Marlene, Sante and others.

Reproduction

Potatoes are propagated by tubers. But it often happens that there are very few of them. Riviera potato planting material is very expensive on the market. But unlike other varieties, the tubers can be divided into parts, thereby increasing the number of potatoes for planting. The main thing is that there are at least 3 sprouted eyes left on each division. The cut area is powdered with wood ash and dried.

It is almost impossible to propagate the Riviera potato variety with seeds at home, since the buds rarely bloom, so there are no balabolkas on the bushes. But if you manage to get the seeds, they are sown in the same way as tomatoes. Even the features of growing seedlings of these crops are similar.

In the first year after planting young seedlings, very small tubers are obtained. They keep well. The following year they are planted separately so that planting material can be selected.

Description of the variety

The Riviera variety is capable of producing high yields even in the driest seasons. Suitable for growing under film. In the southern regions they manage to grow two Riviera crops. Digging to obtain tubers for food can begin from the 35th day from the moment of germination. Features of the “Riviera” variety are in Table 1.

Table 1

The bushes are distinguished by strong stems and a powerful root system. A distinctive feature is rapid growth at the beginning of the growing season. The tubers have shallow eyes, making them easy to peel.

Characteristics of Riviera potatoes

Riviera potatoes were developed by Dutch breeders in 2007 . In 2013, it was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation.

The variety has taken root well in the central regions of Russia. It is successfully grown in Moldova and Ukraine. Riviera tolerates drought well and produces good harvests even in conditions of lack of moisture.

Chemical composition

Tubers contain the following nutrients:

• proteins - 2 g;
• fats - 0.4 g;
• carbohydrates - 18.1 g;
• water - 78.59 g;
• saturated fatty acids - 0.1 g;
• starch - 15 g;
• organic acids - 0.2 g.

Among the microelements are iron, iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, fluorine, vanadium, manganese, etc. Among the vitamins necessary to maintain the body in tone, proper metabolism, and strengthen the immune system are A, B, C, E, PP.

The calorie content of the product per 100 g is 77.2 kcal.

Characteristics of tubers and yield

Riviera has round and smooth tubers. The peel is yellow-brown, the flesh is light yellow. The height of the bushes is 85 cm, the stems are elastic, the leaves are large, dark green, the inflorescences are purple.

The variety has a powerful root system. From the moment the first shoots appear until full maturity, 45 days pass. The first tubers can be tasted 30 days after planting. The yield after 35 days is 280 c/ha, at the end of full ripening - 450 c/ha. One bush forms up to 14 tubers.

Difference from other varieties

Tubers contain 12-15% starch - less than other early ripening varieties. Seeds are prepared for planting in early April, a month before planting in open ground. The tubers have a beautiful appearance and wonderful taste. They store well in frosty weather. Riviera produces a harvest twice a year. The variety has the shortest ripening period and strong immunity to diseases.

Characteristics of the variety "Riviera"

Due to its characteristics, the Riviera variety is ideal for cultivation in Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. These Dutch potatoes have the following qualities:

• Early maturation . Already on the 40th day after emergence, the tubers can be dug up - they acquire marketable weight.
• High yield. On the 35th day it is 280 c/ha, on the 40th – 450 c/ha.
• Drought resistance. The variety tolerates lack of watering, giving a decent harvest even in the dry season. Plants have a powerful root system that provides the bush with moisture and nutrition.
  

  "Riviera", thanks to its early ripening, manages to complete the vegetative cycle before the summer heat begins. The variety is suitable for growing in the hottest regions.

• Good tolerance to mechanical damage. During harvesting, the integrity of the tubers is 87-92%.
• The variety is resistant to diseases. It resists cancer, viral diseases, and nematodes well. May suffer from late blight and scab.
• Good keeping quality. Tubers that are collected during the second harvest are especially well preserved.
• High nutritional quality. Potatoes of this variety, when assessing taste on a 5-point scale, score 4.8 points.
• Intended purpose : for food when young and for long-term storage.

The variety is unpretentious, but has soil preferences - it grows best on light soils.

Table 2 shows a comparative analysis of Riviera potatoes with other popular varieties. The yield and weight of tubers are compared.

table 2

Riviera potatoes are table varieties. It is used to prepare mashed potatoes and salads, and fry it. It is distinguished by the average boilability of tubers. Gardeners are unanimous - the most delicious tubers are those dug up at an early stage of ripening.

There is no limit to varietal perfection: the history of Riviera potatoes

And again, breeders from the Netherlands, who never cease to amaze us, have created another miracle variety. Agrico has improved the valuable qualities of the popular potato crop. The Riviera variety is distinguished by consistently high yields, very early and rapid ripening of tubers, disease resistance, unpretentiousness and many other remarkable characteristics. Bred in 2007 in the vast Dutch fields, the Riviera variety is successfully cultivated in temperate climates. Distributed in Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian Federation. In the state register of Russia it is noted as a variety for cultivation in the central and southern regions, but it performs well in northern latitudes and zones of sharply continental climate (eastern regions of the country).

In areas of risky farming, it is recommended to grow Riviera potatoes using special agricultural technology to accelerate ripening: additional watering, fertilizer, loosening, germination before planting, selection of planting material, etc. In northern latitudes, the variety does not show maximum returns, but if the above rules are observed, it is capable give an early harvest of 270 to 320 centners per hectare. Tubers may vary in weight.

Advantages and disadvantages

“Riviera” is an excellent potato variety worthy of the attention of commodity producers and gardeners who grow crops for their own needs. The pros and cons of the variety are in Table 3.

Table 3

Potato varieties. Early potato varieties

For varieties with early ripening, the growing season (from germination to harvest) averages 75 days. The most popular varieties in this group are: Red Scarlet, Udacha, Rosara, Bellarosa, Impala.

Red Scarlet (Holland)

Productivity of commercial tubers: 164 - 192 kg/area, maximum - 400 kg/area.

Morphology of the bush: compact, low-growing, light purple flowers.

Tubers: oblong, even with a smooth surface, small eyes, lilac peel, pale yellow flesh, average weight 80 g, 10 - 15 pcs per bush.

Taste: average taste, does not get soggy when cooked, good for frying and for making French fries.

Cultivation zones: zoned for the Moscow region and the entire Central region, approved for cultivation in the North-Western, Volga-Vyatka and West Siberian regions, also recommended for the southern regions of Russia.

Features: heat-resistant, shelf-stable, resistant to nematodes and potato cancer, high yield of marketable tubers.

Disadvantages: susceptibility to late blight.

Recommendations for cultivation: numerous reviews of the variety indicate good yield and high marketability even in unfavorable years. To prevent the development of late blight, it is necessary to carry out pre-planting treatment of tubers with fungicides approved for use in private household plots.

Udacha (Russia)

Productivity of commercial tubers: 300 - 400 kg/area, maximum - 500 kg/area, stable in different years.

Bush morphology: medium-sized, spreading, white flowers.

Tubers: oval with light yellow thin skin and white pulp, eyes are weakly expressed, average weight 150 - 200 g, 15 - 20 pcs per bush.

Taste: good, but according to some reviews mediocre.

Cultivation zones: Northwestern region, Far East, Volga region, Central Black Earth region.

Features: has high resistance to diseases, drought-resistant, tolerates waterlogging, long-lasting.

Disadvantages: susceptible to nematodes.

Recommendations for cultivation: environmentally plastic variety, adapts well to extreme weather conditions and to any type of soil. It is recommended to plant in well-warmed soil. Tubers grown using potassium fertilizers darken when cooked.

Rosara (Germany)

Productivity of marketable tubers: 200 - 300 kg/area, maximum - more than 500 kg/area, stable in different weather conditions.

Bush morphology: medium-sized, semi-spreading, purple flowers.

Tubers: oval (sometimes teardrop-shaped), leveled, red skin color of varying intensity, surface with slight roughness, yellow flesh, small, shallow eyes, average weight 90 - 120 g, 15 - 18 pcs per bush.

Taste: excellent, low starch content, does not become soggy when cooked, ideal in salads and for frying.

Cultivation zones: Southern Urals, Far East and central Russia.

Features: equally tolerates drought and waterlogging, resistant to nematode, scab and late blight, very early variety with high shelf life.

Disadvantages: not identified by gardeners.

Recommendations for cultivation: the variety maintains productivity for up to 5 years and does not require frequent renewal of seed material.

Bellarosa (Germany)

Productivity of marketable tubers: 170 - 330 kg/area, maximum - 385 kg/area.

Bush morphology: tall, erect with large leaves, red-violet flowers.

Tubers: round, smooth, skin color light red or pink, surface slightly rough, flesh light yellow, eyes shallow, average weight 110 - 210 g (“giants” up to 800 g), 9 pcs per bush.

Taste: high taste, boiled potatoes are crumbly.

Cultivation zones: zoned for the Central European part (central Russia) and the Urals.

Features: highly commercial variety with aligned tubers, resistant to viruses, nematodes, scab, cancer and late blight, very early.

Disadvantages: average keeping quality.

Recommendations for cultivation: to regulate the size of tubers, the planting scheme is changed: by increasing the feeding area, large tubers are obtained, and with more frequent planting, medium-sized tubers are obtained. Cultivated on all types of soil. Popularly, this proven variety is often called Cherry, perhaps due to the special attachment of the tubers and their appearance.

Seed preparation

The maximum growing season is 45 days. In order to harvest the potatoes early and have time to plant the second crop, the seed material is germinated.

Table 4

With the onset of spring, the tubers set aside for planting are sorted out - rotten or frozen root crops need to be removed.

Riviera potatoes can be started for germination 2 months before planting, creating favorable conditions for the emergence of sprouts - then by the time of planting, the root system begins to form on the tubers. This method reduces the ripening time. To ensure quality germination, the tubers are turned over from time to time.

There are three methods of germination:

• In boxes . This is the traditional way - the tubers are laid out in boxes in 1-2 layers. Keep in light at 15 degrees for 15 days.
• In packages. The tubers are germinated in transparent plastic bags with pre-drilled holes. Seed material is placed in bags and, tied, hung so that light falls on the bag, but not the open sun. Sprouts appear quickly due to the greenhouse effect.
• Withering. Tubers are laid out in basements and attics.

If the spring is damp and cold, and it is too early to plant the sprouted potatoes, they are transferred to boxes with sawdust - they are placed on the bottom, soaked in liquid fertilizer.

Thanks to germination, the yield increases up to 100%, and the timing is shifted a week ahead.

Tuber preparation

Pre-planting preparation involves germinating tubers. To do this, they are placed in a bright, warm place. The tubers are kept until strong, thick sprouts form. On average, germination takes about 25-30 days. The temperature during germination should not exceed 15 °C. Higher rates cause increased evaporation of moisture, leading to wilting of the tubers.

Immediately before planting, the tubers are dusted with wood ash. This technique promotes friendly germination and improved taste. The tubers grow more starchy and crumbly.

Advice! To increase productivity, 2 days before planting, you can use soaking in growth stimulants - succinic acid or heteroauxin.

Growing potatoes from seeds

If you grow the same variety from tubers, then after 5-6 years of cultivation it begins to degenerate. Signs of variety degeneration:

• productivity decreases;
• tuber sizes decrease;
• Immunity decreases and plants begin to get sick.

We have to renew the seed material. But elite tubers are expensive. In addition, there is a risk of buying potatoes that do not meet the varietal characteristics. It is much more profitable to grow root vegetables from seeds.

Where to get seeds:

• collect from bushes - you need to choose the most powerful and productive plants;
• buy at specialized gardening centers.

There are two options for growing potatoes from seeds:

• Sowing in the ground . The tubers grow small and are used for planting next year.
• Seedlings. Seeds are germinated in March-April, keeping them in a damp cloth for several days.

The procedure for growing seedlings:

1. Prepare nutritious soil. Take 1 part earth and 4 parts peat. Fertilizers are added.
2. Sprouted seeds are sown in containers. The distance between adjacent seeds is 5 cm. Between rows is 10 cm.
3. The seeds are sprinkled with soil and sprayed from a humidifier.
4. The containers are covered with transparent film and placed in a warm, bright place. Periodically moisten the soil, avoiding drying out or waterlogging. The room is regularly ventilated.
5. The first shoots appear after 10 days. When two leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in separate glasses - they must have holes for draining water.
6. Caring for seedlings, in addition to watering, requires turning the glasses to ensure their uniform illumination and prevent stretching. It is also necessary to loosen the row spacing to allow air to reach the roots.

In order for the seedlings to take root better, they are given fertilizing - a urea solution (1 g per 1 l). Then the seedlings are fed monthly.

When the seedlings grow up, they are hardened off - taken out into the open air for half an hour. Gradually the hardening time is increased. Before planting the seedlings in the ground, they are kept outside for several days. When the threat of frost disappears, the seedlings are planted in the ground. Features of planting potato seedlings:

• fertilizer is poured into the holes - humus (300 g) or ash;
• the plants are buried in the soil, only three leaves should remain on its surface;
• at first, the seedlings are covered with agrofibre so that they are not damaged by temperature changes and direct sunlight;
• when consistently warm weather sets in, the agrofibre is removed;
• At first, the plants are watered frequently - every two days, then - like regular potatoes.

The seed harvest is small potatoes, which become a source of elite potatoes for the next five years.

Seedlings can be grown not only from seeds, but also from sprouts. To do this, sprouts are broken off from sprouted tubers and transplanted into separate containers.

How to care

“Riviera” is an undemanding potato variety, but timely and proper care for it will significantly increase productivity.

Watering

Potatoes prefer moist soil, especially during the period of tuber formation. Therefore, in the absence of regular rains, the plant needs to be watered. Each bush will need 2-3 liters of non-cold water. To preserve moisture longer, the plant is hilled after watering.

If there is sufficient rainfall, potatoes do not need additional moisture.

Feeding

When the first shoots appear, the plant is fed. For this, two types of fertilizer are used: liquid and dry. Liquid fertilizers are sprayed on the foliage, dry fertilizers are applied during loosening.

Mineral fertilizers should be applied as the plant matures:

• at the beginning of growth (before hilling): 50 g of ammonium nitrate is diluted with 10 liters of water and added 0.5 tsp. copper sulfate;
• when forming 4 leaves on a bush: foliar feeding is carried out on the foliage with this solution - 2 g of “Gumat +7” diluted with 10 liters of water (3 liters of the product are used per 1 hundred square meters of land);
• at the end of flowering: carry out a similar foliar feeding - 100 g of superphosphate is mixed with 10 liters of water (consumption: 1 liter per 1 sq. m.).

Important! An excess of nitrogen fertilizers can provoke intensive growth of tops and a lag in the growth of tubers. In addition, excess chemicals can negatively affect the taste of tubers. The following is used as organic matter:

The following are used as organics:

• bird droppings diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. It is applied into the furrows between the rows;
• mullein diluted with water 1:10. Apply in the same way as droppings;
• herbal infusions: nettles (stems and tops) are fermented in water, filtered, and potatoes are treated with the resulting product every 10 days.

Weeding and loosening the soil

A mandatory procedure when growing potatoes is weeding and loosening the soil. Such activities will help the tubers be enriched with oxygen and receive the maximum possible amount of nutrients from the soil. In addition, loosening allows you to protect the root system from various diseases and prevent “exposure” of the roots.

Weed removal is carried out before each loosening of the soil, as well as immediately after precipitation. If weeding is not done, then the weeds, falling into the damp soil after loosening, will begin to grow with renewed vigor.

Hilling

Often the root system grows to the sides and upwards, which leads to the fact that most of the roots end up on the surface. This reduces the yield of the plant, so soil hilling is carried out. The first procedure is carried out when the height of the stem reaches 15-20 cm. Next, the soil around the bush is hilled up every 2-3 weeks.

However, when carrying out hilling, several important rules should be followed:

• The bush should be hilled only in the morning or evening. If you do this during the day, in the heat, the tubers can “bake” in the ground;
• The plant should always be earthed up after rain or watering.

Preventative treatment

In the process of growing potatoes, do not forget about preventive measures. To protect the plant from pests and various diseases, it is treated with special chemicals. In order to prevent the appearance of the Colorado potato beetle, the tops are sprayed with an infusion of ash (2 liters of ash are infused in 10 liters of water). Such activities are carried out at least three times a season, and the first treatment is done when the stem reaches a height of 10-15 cm.

To combat the Colorado potato beetle, the following drugs are used: “Prestige”, “Tabu”, “Regent”, “Confidor”, “Tanrek”, “Napoval”, “Commander”, “Molniya”.

To avoid late blight, potato tops are processed several times according to the following algorithm:

• when the stem reaches a height of 25-30 cm, the bush is sprayed with a solution of “Fitosporin-M”;
• before flowering, “Exiol” or “Epin” is used for treatment;
• a few weeks after flowering, the plant is treated with contact fungicides, for example “Efal”, copper oxychloride;
• During tuber ripening, potatoes are protected with Alufite.

To process the bush, choose a cloudy day.
If there is precipitation after spraying, then the procedure must be repeated. Did you know? Everyone knows that if you drop iodine on a potato, it will turn blue. However, there are potato varieties that initially have a blue color not only in the skin, but also in the pulp. One of the common varieties of such potatoes is 'Linzer Blaue'.

Landing dates and rules

Rules for planting the variety "Riviera":

• It is recommended to plant potatoes in an open area, well lit by the sun.
• Soil requirements – low groundwater level, no more than 70 cm from ground level.
• The soil for planting is dug up twice: in the fall to 15 cm in depth;
• in the spring - re-digging.

In the middle zone, planting tubers begins no earlier than mid-April. Planting time depends on the region and its climatic features, as well as on the weather in a particular season.

Tubers the size of a chicken egg and weighing 30-60 g are considered ideal for planting.

If you plant potatoes in April, then by the end of May you can already harvest. The main thing is not to rush into deadlines - the tubers will still not begin to germinate until the soil warms up to a sufficient depth. The optimal time for planting, according to folk superstitions, is when the leaves of birch trees increase to the size of a nickel.

Step-by-step instructions for planting potatoes:

1. The soil is being dug up. Lime or dolomite flour is added.
2. The rows are marked “under the cord”. The interval between rows is 65-70 cm.
3. Fertilizer is thrown into the holes and tubers are placed. The interval between adjacent potatoes is 35-40 cm. The tubers are placed sprouts up.
4. Cover the holes with earth. The soil layer above the potatoes is 6-10 cm.

Landing

Riviera potatoes (the description will tell gardeners how to plant the plant correctly) are not suitable for cultivation in one area for more than 3 years, since sources of infections and parasites accumulate in the soil cover. Planting work must be done in May, when the air temperature is +22 ℃ and the substrate warms up to +10 ℃.

The area for planting must be dug up or plowed. The distance between rows should be 60 cm, between tubers - no more than 35 cm. Seed potatoes must be lowered to a depth of 10 cm, otherwise seedlings may be delayed. In this case, it is recommended to add 200 g of wood ash and 3 peas to each planting hole.

The soil cover must be sandy loam, light, moderately moist and breathable. It is advisable to alternate planting potatoes with green manure or other fruit crops.

If you choose heavy clay substrates, the harvest will be tasteless, small and ugly. A soil layer that is too wet, peaty, sandy or depleted in magnesium and calcium also has a negative impact on the quality of the fruit.

Features of cultivation

The agricultural technology of the Riviera variety is extremely simple. Among the peculiarities of growing this variety, it is worth highlighting the rare watering - “Riviera” has to be watered only in severe drought.

The variety grows well on loamy, peat and sandy loam soils with a high content of nitrogen and potassium. To ensure that potatoes grow, gardeners often feed potato plantings with humus or rotted manure. Farmers usually feed potatoes with liquid fertilizers - slurry or a solution of chicken manure. To increase yields, you need to dig the soil twice – in autumn and spring.

Doctor of Agricultural Sciences talks about the features of growing the Riviera variety, its yield and processing methods:

Watering

In case of heavy rains, it is recommended to feed the plants with dry fertilizers. And during drought, you need to dig up the bushes in order to stop the spread of late blight on tubers in time. The bushes have a powerful root system, but during the period of tops formation even they may not be able to cope with drought - the plants need to be watered.

If the weather is dry when seedlings emerge, the number of ovaries decreases.

Table 5

If you follow the timing of watering the potatoes, the tubers will be smooth, unaffected by scab and without cracks.

Lack of watering during drought will lead to a poor harvest - the tubers grow small.

If potatoes are grown over large areas, it is recommended to use:

• drip irrigation - moisture is supplied to the roots of plants;
• sprinkler - a technique that imitates natural rain and creates a humid environment.

For the “Riviera” variety, sprinkling irrigation is more suitable, since this method not only irrigates the soil, but also washes away harmful insects from the foliage.

Hilling

Loosening is a mandatory agricultural activity when growing potatoes. The roots of this plant, more than others, need oxygen to grow and fill tubers.

Hilling goals:

• prevent exposure and diseases of basal stems;
• provide increased oxygen access to the tubers - so that they fill better;
• freezing of young sprouts when the temperature drops is prevented;
• weed removal.

Two hillings are carried out per season:

• The first is when the tops grow to 14-16 cm.
• The second - after 2-3 weeks, before flowering.

Hilling can be:

• Manually - using a hoe or flat cutter.
• Mechanized - cultivator, walk-behind tractor, other agricultural equipment.

If you do not hill up potato bushes, crop losses can amount to 30%. It is recommended to hill up the plantings in the mornings and evenings - during weak solar activity. The best time for hilling is after watering or rain. It is imperative to loosen and weed the weeds in the space between the rows.

Read more information about proper hilling of potatoes here.

Fertilizing and mulching

"Riviera" is an unpretentious variety, but on fertilized soils its yields will be much greater. Microelements added to the soil:

• increase plant resistance to diseases;
• increase the starch content in tubers - the potatoes will be tastier and more crumbly;
• increase the keeping quality and shelf life of tubers.

In spring, the soil must be fertilized (proportions for one hundred square meters):

• potassium sulfate – 2 kg;
• ammonium nitrate – 1 kg;
• double superphosphate – 1 kg;
• ash – 5 kg;
• nitroammophoska – 3 kg;
• nitrophoska – 5 kg.

The timing of fertilizing after planting tubers is in Table 6.

Table 6

It is recommended to mulch the beds with hay or sawdust. A layer of 5-10 cm perfectly retains heat and prevents the growth of weeds. Dark film is also used as mulch.

Today, many gardeners grow potatoes in mulch:

1. On the site, the grass is mowed and the tubers are laid out with the sprouts facing up.
2. Cover the tubers with hay or freshly cut grass. Mulch layer – 10 cm.
3. As the grass settles and shoots sprout, add hay - shoots up to 15 cm in height should remain on the surface.
4. The seedlings are watered and fed.
5. When the bushes fade, wait another 2-3 weeks and harvest - to do this, just lift the mulch.

The success of this interesting method depends on the potato variety, soil composition and the experience of the gardener. When growing potatoes, the main thing is not to overdo it. If you flood the plantation with water, there is a risk of late blight - a disease that can destroy half the crop. If you overfeed the soil with fertilizers, the plants will get sick, which will also lead to crop loss.

Plant care

A description of recommendations for caring for Riviera potatoes does not take up much space. However, competent and timely care is the key to a high and high-quality harvest. The main requirements remain:

• watering;
• nutrition;
• hilling;
• loosening.

Hilling begins when the stems are 15 cm high, then repeated after three weeks. Loosening is a necessary operation. It saves during periods of rain and drought. Fertilizing needs to be done correctly. If watering is sufficient, then you can add dry bird droppings, mineral fertilizers, and ash. They are embedded in the ground at the time of hilling the Riviera potato bushes.

Advice! Nitrogen fertilizers should not be applied late in the growing season. This will lead to an increase in leaf mass, which will draw on the plant’s juices, and the harvest will be significantly worse.

Weeding of potato plantings is done regularly so that weeds do not choke the plants and deprive them of light, water, and nutrients.

Diseases, pests and methods of their prevention

The variety withstands most viral and bacterial attacks. The only thing that can seriously threaten it is late blight. Preventative measures must be taken to prevent disease and harm from insects.

Before planting, it is recommended to treat the tubers with “Prestige,” a remedy for the Colorado potato beetle. Tubers laid out in one layer are treated with the drug. After spraying on one side, the root crops are turned over to treat the other side.

To increase the immunity of plants, it is recommended to spray the bushes with Fitospirin.

Means for controlling diseases and pests are in tables 7 and 8, respectively.

Table 7

Table 8

It has been noticed that mole crickets like “Riviera” more than other varieties. If there are several varieties of potatoes growing in the garden, then the pest will choose Riviera.

Read more about potato pests and methods of controlling them here.

Riviera landing rules

Sandy loam, loamy and peat soils are suitable for potatoes . Culture loves well-lit places.

Site preparation

Preparing the soil for planting begins in the fall. The area is dug up and fertilized. The given amount of fertilizer is calculated per 1 square meter.

1. During digging, add 5–7 kg of humus, 40 g of potassium chloride and 50–60 g of superphosphate.
2. In soil with a high level of acidity, 500 g of dolomite flour or lime is also added.

Before planting Riviera, the soil needs to be dug up and fertilized.

Grape juice or ordinary table vinegar will help you determine the acidity of the soil at home. A piece of soil is dipped into the juice. If its color changes and bubbles appear on the surface, then the acidity level is neutral. You can also spray the soil with a few drops of vinegar. If bubbles form as a result of this, the acidity of the soil is neutral. And if there is no reaction, this indicates high acidity.

In the spring, the site is fertilized with organic matter and minerals. This can be a mixture of 1 cup of ash, 1 tbsp. l. powdered superphosphate and 1 tsp. potassium sulfate or 2 tbsp. l. nitrophoska and 1 cup of wood ash (norm per 1 m2).

Tuber preparation

Before planting, select tubers weighing about 100 g. An area of ​​100 m2 will require approximately 40 of these root crops. 1–1.5 months before planting, they begin to sprout potatoes.

Before planting, the tubers need to be germinated and dried

There are several ways to prepare potatoes.

1. Germination in the light is considered one of the easiest. Root vegetables are laid out in one layer in any container and placed in a well-lit room with a temperature of 20 ° C. The tubers are turned over periodically. This will help ensure even lighting. After a month, shoots will appear on the fruits.
2. For the next method you will need plastic bags. About 10 holes are made in them and 10–12 tubers are placed inside. The bags are then tied and hung in a bright room. But at the same time, potatoes should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The germination of tubers is facilitated by the greenhouse effect that is created in polyethylene. To ensure that the bags are evenly illuminated, they must be rotated.
3. The next method will require baskets or boxes. A layer of peat and humus 3–5 cm thick is poured onto the bottom of the container, then root vegetables are placed on top of which the nutrient mixture is again poured. This way you can form 7–8 layers. The box is installed in a room with a temperature of 15–17 °C. Then water it with water to moisten all layers. When shoots begin to appear on the root crops, the potatoes are treated with a special compound . For 50 kg of tubers, use 10 liters of water, 50 g of superphosphate, 10 g of nitrate and 10 g of potassium chloride. After two days, the procedure is repeated. But this time 10 liters of solution are consumed for 80 kg of tubers. In a week, roots will appear on the root crops.

In addition to germination, preparatory procedures also include pickling, which helps prevent the development of diseases . Root crops are first sprayed with water (consumption of approximately 2 liters per 100 tubers). A day later, the potatoes are treated with the solution. To prepare it, formalin is diluted in water in a ratio of 1:200, then copper sulfate (2 g per 10 l) is added. The tubers are immersed in the resulting mixture for 4–5 hours.

Important! If there is a shortage of planting potatoes, they are cut into pieces, each with at least 3 eyes left.

Step-by-step disembarkation process

Potatoes are planted in late April or the first half of May. The air temperature should be + 20–21 °C. A necessary condition is the heating of the soil at a depth of 10 cm to 10–15 °C.

Riviera is planted using both traditional and no-till methods

Traditional way

The easiest way involves planting potatoes in holes.

1. Form ridges for planting, which are located in the direction from north to south.
2. Dig holes 10 cm deep. A distance of 30–35 cm is maintained between the holes, and rows are placed every 50–70 cm.
3. A handful of ash is added to the holes, then the tubers are laid and covered with soil.
4. The upper part of the root crop should be separated from the surface of the soil by approximately 5 cm.
5. At the final stage, the ground is leveled using a rake.

Video: Practical tips for planting tubers using the traditional method

No-till method

In addition to the traditional planting method, the no-till method is often practiced today. Some gardeners find it more convenient for growing and harvesting potatoes.

This method helps retain moisture in the soil longer. The space between the rows makes it easier to loosen the soil and hill up the bushes. Fertilizers are applied directly to the potatoes, which reduces the consumption of nutrients. Harvesting is easier.

No-till method simplifies crop care

To plant tubers using the no-till method, you need:

• place ridges 3.5–4 m wide on the site (leave a distance of 30–35 cm between them);
• draw lines across the ridges every 90–100 cm;
• then place the tubers on them at intervals of 20 cm;
• After that, cover the potatoes with soil.

Video: Master class on planting crops using a no-till method

Harvesting

The readiness of the harvest can be judged visually and by timing. By 40 days after germination, the stems fall and wither. Two weeks before harvesting, the tops are completely removed - this is done to improve the keeping quality of root crops.

The first harvest is harvested at the end of June - at the beginning of July. In the southern regions, where two crops are grown, the second harvest occurs in September.

What you need to know about cleaning:

• Seed material is selected immediately - during harvesting. Potatoes selected for seeds are placed in a sunny place so that they turn green. This is done to improve germination.
• The tubers extracted from the soil are placed to dry - directly on the boundary or under a canopy.
• Tubers are sorted, rotten and diseased ones are removed - they can infect healthy ones.
• The walls of the room in which the potatoes will be stored, and the tubers themselves, are sprayed with “Anti-rot” - this is an effective biological product that allows you to increase the % of keeping quality. It is recommended to whitewash the walls of the cellar with lime and line the bottom with matting.
• Tubers are treated with a solution of copper sulfate 0.2 g per 10 liters of water. This will improve the preservation of root crops.
• Storage temperature – +2…+4°C. If it is warmer, the tubers will sprout.
• During the winter, potatoes are sorted 2-3 times, removing spoiled tubers.

For digging, gardeners usually use a pitchfork - they use it to dig up a row, slightly away from the holes, so as not to damage the tubers.

Harvesting and storing potato harvest

Potatoes are traditionally harvested in late summer - early autumn. If you plan to harvest the crop for winter storage, it is believed that after the tops dry out, the potatoes should lie in the ground for another month: during this time, the peel will become denser, which will allow the tubers to retain their properties longer.

Terms and rules of cleaning

Early varieties such as Riviera can be harvested as early as late June - early July. To make sure that you can already harvest the crop, first pull out one bush and dig a hole.

It is important to dig up the bush correctly so as not to cut the tubers

An old method for determining the maturity of potatoes: if the soil around the tops is cracked, it means that the tubers are already full and can be dug up.

In fact, the timing of potato harvesting depends on the climate. In the south, potatoes are dug only in November, but in northern latitudes - already in the third ten days of September. In any case, you need to have time to dig up the potatoes before the ground freezes.

However, Riviera is an early variety and is harvested in the summer. Autumn harvesting, as a rule, is relevant for those who grow potatoes in 2 harvests.

When harvesting potatoes, carefully dig up the row with the tops with a pitchfork, slightly to the side of the hole. This must be done carefully so as not to pierce the tubers with the pitchfork. If damaged, they will not be stored. The tops themselves need to be torn out, and potatoes collected from the rhizomes. Don’t forget to dig them out of the ground itself; sometimes the largest ones remain there.

Bookmark for storage

Before putting the potatoes in the cellar, you need to sort them and take a number of measures:

• Remove all bad tubers, damaged, painful. These are not only not stored, but can also be infectious to healthy potatoes.
• Sorting is needed to separate seed potatoes from food potatoes. It is best to perform this operation now, so that it will be easier in the spring. In addition, the seedlings need to be greened, that is, placed in a sunny place for a while so that the tubers turn slightly green - this will improve their germination.
• For best long-term storage, tubers should be pickled with copper sulfate . Dilute 2 g in 10 liters of water and gently spray the crop.
• Potatoes should be stored in the cellar. Potatoes retain their quality well in a cool (2–40C), dark, dry, well-ventilated place. At low temperatures, the tubers lose their taste; at higher temperatures, growths quickly appear.
• It is better to whitewash the cellar where you plan to store the harvest with lime. This will disinfect the room. It is recommended to line the bottom of the cellar with dry matting.

Do-it-yourself mini-cellar for potatoes - video

Storage Methods

Potatoes can be stored in basements, in piles and trenches. When storing tubers in basements, they can be stored in this form:

• In bulk. The simplest and oldest way. Used if there are not many potatoes. Disadvantage: pockets of rot may form, causing large losses.
• In boxes . The best boxes are made from coniferous wood - they are less susceptible to fungus and bacteria.
• In containers. The best option for farmers and gardeners growing potatoes for sale. The container usually holds 500 kg of potatoes. The containers have slots for ventilation. Containers can be stacked on top of each other in several rows.
• In bags or nets. A convenient way is to place the bags on shelves or one on top of the other. Root crops are provided with good ventilation. It is better to use bags made from natural materials. But today meshes are more often used - they are cheap and convenient.

If you arrange the tubers with plants that secrete phytoncides - pine or spruce branches, rowan leaves, the potatoes will be better preserved. The formation of rot on root crops is also prevented by wormwood, wormwood, elderberry, fern, onion skins, and garlic.

Advice from professionals

To obtain high yields, it is necessary to follow agricultural cultivation techniques. Advice from experienced farmers will help you achieve your goals:

• You should not plant "Riviera" on heavy rocky soils - the tubers will grow slowly and they will grow deformed.
• Be sure to dig up the area twice a year - in autumn and spring. The soil will become loose and enriched with oxygen.
• Potatoes grow well after cucumbers, squash, onions, zucchini, pumpkins, and legumes. The risk of infection by pathogenic microbes is reduced, and the likelihood of high yields increases. It is not recommended to plant potatoes in an area where garden strawberries previously grew.
• To repel Colorado potato beetles, plant beans, coriander, tansy or nasturtium in the rows. To prevent late blight, plant onions and garlic next to potatoes.
• When planting small tubers - up to 30 g, place 2-3 pieces in the holes.
• You cannot grow potatoes in the same place for years - this will deplete the soil, and the tubers will become smaller and smaller.

Pest protection

Riviera potatoes may suffer from attacks by the Colorado potato beetle; this is one of the most common pests of nightshade crops. Adult Colorado potato beetles overwinter in the soil. In spring, beetles begin to actively feed on potato stems and leaves. During the same period, females lay eggs on the reverse side of the leaf blades. After hatching, the larvae and adult insects begin to feed on the leaves. Under favorable conditions, 2-3 populations of the Colorado potato beetle can hatch in one growing season.

Insecticides are used to destroy the pest:

• Corado,
• Commander,
• Tanrek.

Spraying is carried out 1-2 times per season. At the moment, there are also preparations used for pre-planting treatment of tubers:

• Taboo,
• Prestige,
• Tubershield.

These drugs retain their protective effect for 2 months. This avoids time-consuming manual spraying.

Reviews from gardeners and farmers

★★★★★
Raisa Molochnikova, 50 years old, Belgorod region. Last year I planted Riviera in two areas at once - one was heavily fertilized with manure, the second was ordinary.
On the first one, many large tubers grew and the bushes bloomed profusely. In the second plot, the growing season ended earlier than in the first, the flowering was modest, the first potatoes were dug up in early June. I didn’t like that the tubers were too soft, but the puree turned out very tasty. ★★★★★
Leonid Shishkov, 56 years old, Bryansk region. I really like the taste of Riviera.
True, the mole cricket also liked the variety and damaged many bushes. The variety is very early, fresh potatoes appear already in June. A productive variety - I planted only half a bucket of small things at the dacha, but dug up 5 buckets of large tubers. The bushes are strong, practically do not get sick, and there is no need to spend money on care and poisoning. ★★★★★
Alexander Mitin, 34 years old, Crimea, farming. "Riviera" is one of the best varieties.
You can take two harvests of good commercial potatoes. Very responsive to fertilizers. Ideal for risky farming areas - will withstand any drought. Stable, large, tolerates transportation well, the tubers are tasty and beautiful in appearance. Profitable to plant for sale. Hide

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The Dutch variety "Riviera" attracts gardeners and farmers with its productivity and early ripening, good taste and unpretentiousness to growing conditions. Even in the most severe drought, the Riviera plantation will not leave its owners without a harvest.

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