Potatoes have long established themselves as one of the most popular and beloved vegetables.
It is highly valued not only for its taste, but also for its easy and quick preparation. Potatoes are boiled whole, without skins, fried and various dishes are created based on them, from side dishes to soups.
Unfortunately, potatoes are one of those types of vegetables that are extremely dependent on care from the summer resident and favorable climatic conditions. Otherwise, the yield will be so weak that you will have to abandon the idea of \u200b\u200bgrowing potatoes in your summer cottage in the future.
Which varieties can easily adapt to harsh climates and how difficult will they be to care for? Answers to these and many other questions await you in this article.
Characteristics of potato varieties
When faced for the first time with a huge variety of potato varieties, it is very difficult to understand which of them are intended for consumption and which are optimally suited as food for farm animals. To make this task easier for you, we provide a simplified diagram of the characteristics of varieties.
Common variety varieties
- Canteens . The most common types that have the best taste. Because of this feature, they are commonly used for cooking.
- Technical . These varieties contain a reduced amount of protein, so they are intended for the production of alcohol and starch.
- Feed . By virtue of their name, these varieties are used to feed livestock. They stand out because the level of protein and starch is much higher than normal.
- Universal . These varieties have everything needed to target any of the above tasks.
In addition, potato varieties may differ in the following characteristics: early ripening. Unlike other vegetables, there will be more criteria that cover the duration of fruit ripening.
Varieties of varieties by ripening period
- Early. Fruits appear after 50-65 days.
- Mid-early. Fruits appear after 65-85 days.
- Mid-season. Fruits appear after 85-95 days.
- Mid-late. Fruits appear after 95-110 days.
- Late. Fruit appears after 95 days or more.
How to preserve the harvest?
How to preserve the harvest
Labella tubers are resistant to mechanical damage. The wounds that appear during the digging process quickly heal, and the potatoes retain their presentation.
Potato storage:
- The tubers are cleared of soil and laid out in a dark place to dry.
- Potatoes are inspected for putrefactive lesions, placed in boxes, nets, bags, and several apples or beets are placed on top. This proximity prevents germination and rotting of fruits.
- On an insulated balcony or loggia, the harvest is stored in boxes with polystyrene foam or a foil screen, “balcony cellars.”
- The fruits are sorted from time to time, discarding rotten and green tubers.
- Potatoes can withstand any heat treatment and do not fall apart into mush. It is suitable for preparing boiled, stewed, baked, fried dishes. The pulp does not darken after cooking.
Seed potato varieties - choose the right ones
It is worth saying that potatoes have weaker protection against all kinds of pests and infections than other vegetables. If this is not taken into account, the tubers will work solely to survive, and not focus on a good harvest.
The only exceptions can be those varieties that successfully resist many of their varieties. But not all resistant varieties have better taste and large fruit. That is why the choice of varieties must be taken with full responsibility.
It should also be taken into account that after 3-4 years the variety will degenerate, which means that it is necessary to find an appropriate replacement for it. An ideal option would be elite planting material. It will be extremely difficult to grow it yourself, because it is a very long and intensive process that requires specific conditions.
When purchasing it, it would not be superfluous to ask the seller about the quality certificate. This is relevant due to the fact that very often sellers can offer ordinary potatoes instead of the desired elite planting material.
If you do not want the purchased planting material to become unusable too quickly, then it should be dug up before the lion's share of the harvest begins to appear.
As for the characteristics of the varieties, here it is also worth being vigilant not only regarding traditional factors (taste, yield and large-fruited size), but also several others (earliness and the place where it comes from). Compliance with the last factor will help determine the compatibility of the climate zone, which is extremely important when growing potatoes.
Diseases and pests
Wireworm
The description says that the Labella potato variety is resistant to many diseases characteristic of this crop. But since several different varieties of potatoes are planted on the site, among them there may be those that have weak immunity. Therefore, preventive measures must be taken. At the first signs of disease, plantings are treated with herbicides. Labella potato bushes treated with herbicides should be dug up before all others, and the tops should be burned.
Warning! It is not recommended to use potatoes from treated bushes as seed material.
If the variety is highly resistant to many diseases, then pests will have to be fought. The larvae of the click beetle (colloquially wireworm ) can damage young potato tubers.
Wood ash, which is sprinkled under each bush, helps against wireworms. It is advisable to etch the seed. As for the Colorado potato beetle, the larvae will have to be collected by hand.
Important! To get rid of diseases and pests, it is necessary to use crop rotation: areas for potatoes are changed every 3 years.
The best potato varieties for the Moscow region
Many summer residents involved in growing potatoes in the Moscow region have noted that this activity is extremely risky. Due to non-standard climatic conditions and many other factors, when choosing varieties for planting, you should note several important features.
Firstly, varieties must have good protection against pests and diseases. Secondly, you should choose only early, mid-early and mid-ripening varieties. If you go into experiments and take later varieties for planting, they simply will not have time to ripen.
Additionally, you need to pay attention to whether they are intended for planting in the Moscow region. If the selected variety does not have this indicator, but it adapts quite easily to existing conditions, then this point can be skipped.
List of potato varieties
Nevsky
The variety is considered mid-early because the fruit ripening period ranges from 75 to 85 days. The bush can produce up to 15 tubers, each of which will weigh on average 90-140 grams. Average yields per hectare are up to 360 centners.
The variety can be used for various purposes because it is universal. The fruits are characterized by excellent taste and the ability to maintain their appearance for a long time.
Common viral diseases and late blight will not interfere with this variety. However, it will need protection from potato nematode.
Sorcerer
This variety is characterized by several features: early ripening, resistance to drought and late blight, as well as extreme productivity. The fruits can be stored for a long time. Each bush is capable of producing up to 15 tubers. The weight of one tuber can reach 200 grams.
Separately, it is worth noting its protection against potato nematode and scab. Thanks to its distinctive taste characteristics, Charodey is considered one of the most delicious among domestic and foreign varieties.
Lorch
The presented variety is considered late and extremely popular among summer residents. It is considered universal, therefore it can be intended for absolutely any purpose. Taste characteristics, as well as the ability to be stored for a long time without changes, are at a high level. One tuber can weigh 140 grams.
Typically, the shape of the tubers is round-oval, but if there is not enough phosphorus and potassium in the soil, it will become oblong.
Luck
This variety forms tubers quite early, and their quantity will eclipse any ideas about high yields (up to 120 kilograms per bush). The average weight of one tuber is 130 grams. Taste characteristics are above normal. Long-term storage will not affect the external qualities.
Dry periods are not terrible for this variety, but all kinds of pests can significantly weaken it. Among them are late blight, scab and viral infections. When planting, you can pay attention to the quality of the soil, because the variety adapts perfectly to existing conditions.
Sineglazka
This variety is considered a mid-early variety, which can surprise with a rich harvest and excellent taste. Long-term storage in small volumes will be possible for fruits without any problems. If you do not take this fact into account, then the external characteristics will be significantly underestimated.
It is worth mentioning separately about resistance to common infections and diseases. Due to its table type, its main purpose is cooking.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Labella potato variety has a lot of advantages that you should pay attention to first.
pros
- The appearance is quite nice, which attracts buyers.
- Early ripening.
- Resistance to diseases of vegetable crops.
- Excellent productivity, confirmed by reviews from gardeners.
- Wonderful taste and suitability for use in cooking.
- The variety stores well.
- Easy to care for.
Minuses
Among the disadvantages of the Labella variety, one should highlight its sensitivity to frost, which must be taken into account when planting potatoes.
Popular potato varieties for the middle zone
The climate in central Russia is temperate, so for successful potato cultivation it is necessary to select varieties that can be successfully grown under existing conditions. The main criterion is early maturity. Otherwise, the potatoes may not have time to produce a decent level of yield.
List of potato varieties
Rocco
One of the most productive varieties, which also successfully resists late blight and Y and Yn viruses. Moreover, sudden drought and the machinations of potato cancer are not scary for him. The tubers turn out to be quite large and capable of both long-term transportation and long-term storage.
On average, one tuber weighs up to 120 grams. The number of tubers from one bush exceeds 12 pieces. Due to their delicious taste, the tubers can be used for a variety of purposes, including cooking and feeding livestock.
Slav
A mid-season variety that is distinguished by fairly high taste qualities and is ready to please the summer resident with incredible yield indicators (more than 500 centners per hectare). The fruits are extremely large and oblong-oval in shape.
Excellent protection against phenomena such as nematodes, cancer and viral infection. In addition, the variety copes well with late blight. Although it does not require high soil quality, the amount of fertilizer required should be increased, taking into account its intensity.
During long-term and careless transportation, potatoes may be damaged, but at rest they will remain without any changes.
Kiwi
Mid-season variety with a decent yield level. It has reliable protection against the Colorado potato beetle, wireworm, as well as many infections and diseases. A separate advantage is the ability of the variety to quickly adapt to existing conditions, so caring for the bush will be greatly simplified.
Adretta
Here is a foreign mid-season variety that boasts several advantages. Excellent taste characteristics, good protection against many infections and diseases, as well as excellent yield. One bush produces an average of 10 tubers.
If climatic conditions change, the variety will perform well without sacrificing a high degree of yield. Tubers can be stored for a long time, including in the winter season.
Rosara
This foreign variety is considered one of the early ones, the tubers of which ripen after 65-70 days. It is especially popular among farmers who grow potatoes for sale. Productivity reaches 300 centners per hectare.
The variety has optimal conditions for long-term storage and transportation. Excellent protection against potato nematode, potato cancer, late blight and scab. Relatively resistant to the Y virus, but has a better chance of coping with the Yn virus.
Labella potatoes: yield and taste
Potato Labella yield
The yield is high, from 1 hundred square meters you can harvest up to 300 kg of fruit. Each bush produces 11-14 large potatoes. The first tubers are dug up in early June. Maximum yield is achieved at the end of the growing season. Almost all tubers are the same size, which simplifies the process of harvesting and does not require repetition. Their color is pinkish-brown, the skin is thin, with small eyes.
The taste is rich, not watery, slightly sweet. When cutting and heat processing Labella potatoes, they do not darken.
The boilability is average, which is to the liking of many cooking enthusiasts. The weight of one potato is 80-100 grams.
Optimal potato varieties for Siberia
The climate of Siberia can be a real test for many potato varieties. Not everyone can withstand the effects of late spring and early autumn cold snaps, abnormal heat in July and prolonged rains in August. To solve these problems, special varieties were bred for Siberia, which can produce a good harvest in a short summer.
In addition, there are several domestic and foreign varieties that, due to their characteristics, can be successfully grown in the harsh climate of Siberia.
List of potato varieties
Red Scarlett
Here is a representative of one of the most popular red-skinned varieties, which is mainly used in the central and southern regions of the country. The yield reaches 660 centners per hectare. The tubers turn out not only large, but also beautiful.
When receiving physical damage and cooking, the fruits do not change their color. In addition to good resistance to many infections and diseases, including late blight and potato nematode, the variety can successfully withstand the effects of prolonged drought.
Timo
This is one of the earliest ripening varieties that can be successfully grown not only in Siberia, but also in other regions of Russia. The maximum yield is over 610 centners per hectare. Summer residents never cease to claim that the tubers are incredibly tasty and can be stored for a long period. Excellent protection against potato cancer.
Gloria
A mid-early potato variety that will delight you with the excellent taste of the tubers. In addition, they can lie for quite a long time without any changes. The yield per hectare significantly exceeds 370 centners.
The variety exhibits increased resistance to such phenomena as scab, potato nematode, potato cancer and a number of viral diseases. Tops do not cope with late blight as well as with the above infections.
Ermak
Here is the modernized variety “Early Rose”. Excellent taste characteristics, high yield (45 kilograms per 10 square meters), as well as good resistance to common diseases and infections. Separately, it is worth noting the rapid adaptability to low temperatures. The weight of one tuber is up to 115 grams.
Redstar
This is a mid-early variety that is characterized by varying degrees of resistance to a huge number of pests and diseases. Basically, he copes well with the problems that arise. Tubers include unique flavor properties that allow them to be used in a wide variety of dishes.
With moderate physical damage, the potatoes will not be damaged. During long-term storage, the external characteristics of the tubers will remain unchanged.
Diseases and parasites
One of the main features of the Labella potato variety is its high resistance to typical diseases of vegetable crops. Potatoes of the described type are rarely affected by viral infections and late blight, but preventive work still needs to be carried out. It is recommended to treat plantings with herbicides once per season.
Pests can attack Labella potato plants, and when they are infested, it is necessary to take action using various methods to control dangerous insects.
Tobacco mosaic
If small spots of yellow color and irregular shape appear on the leaves of the Labella potato variety, which lead to deformation of the leaf during growth, we can say with confidence that the plant is affected by tobacco mosaic. This viral disease can be brought by potato aphids, or come from infected seeds. The plant develops slowly, the leaves gradually dry out, and the fruits begin to rot.
For treatment, the chemicals Fitosporin, Carbosulfan, Fufanon are used. Potato bushes are treated with a mixture of these products. If the plantings are heavily damaged by tobacco mosaic, the diseased plants should be destroyed.
Wireworm
A dangerous insect that can destroy the Labella potato crop is the click beetle or wireworm. This pest appears in areas with an abundance of weeds and in dry, acidic soil. The parasite damages potatoes by gnawing tunnels inside the tubers and feeding on the pulp. The wireworm is a yellow-brown worm in appearance. The larva has a size of 2-3 cm, and the adult grows up to 5 cm.
If a pest is detected in a plot of Labella potatoes, control measures must be taken immediately. Chemical agents with protective characteristics Aktara, Prestige, Provotox are used.
scoop
The butterfly that harms Labella potatoes is the night armyworm. It is an insect with a wingspan of 30-45 mm, yellow-brown in color. The pest lays eggs on potato leaves, after which white caterpillars appear, 50-55 cm in size. Cutworms gnaw the stems, make tunnels in the tubers, filling them with waste products. The Labella variety can be affected by the cutworm, so control measures should be taken immediately when the parasite is detected on the site.
Active loosening of the soil between rows, use of mineral fertilizers or chemicals with protective characteristics helps to cope with the pest: Lepidocide, Actofit, Fitoverm. While the pests have not spread throughout the garden, they can be collected manually and destroyed.
Early potato varieties: photos and descriptions
Impala
This variety is a table variety, so it can only be intended for cooking. This is also facilitated by excellent taste. With proper care, the variety can consistently produce a large harvest, reaching up to 620 centners per hectare.
Tubers can weigh up to 150 grams. Perfectly stored and transported. Well protected against potato nematode and potato cancer.
Arrow
A table variety, the tubers of which are intended for cooking. They are large enough, do not darken during cooking, and also have an excellent presentation. With all this, the variety is high-yielding.
Strawberries can successfully resist scab, late blight and potato nematode. However, the tops are vulnerable to late blight and virus Y.
Sturdy
The variety is more popular in the central regions of the country. Productivity is moderate - up to 276 centners per hectare. The tubers are very tasty and can be stored for a long period.
Antonina
The variety is primarily aimed at the West Siberian region. Under appropriate conditions, storage can last quite a long time and this will not in any way affect the quality of the tubers. The yield reaches 300 centners per hectare.
Kholmogorsky
A high-yielding variety (almost 400 centners per hectare), which is popular in the northern region. The tubers are tasty, do not become overcooked and can be stored for a long time.
Harvesting and storage
Labella potato varieties are harvested when the potato tops dry out. You must first mow the dried potato bushes and wait two weeks for the potatoes to become covered with a hard skin and gain additional weight.
Dig up the crop in dry and sunny weather. Next, the collected tubers should be dried in the sun and stored in a dark, dry, well-ventilated room.
Mid-early potato varieties: the best varieties
Romano
The variety was bred in the Netherlands. Its value lies in its high yield, large tubers (up to 182 grams), as well as their taste characteristics. Late blight is its main problem. He can easily cope with other diseases.
Russian souvenir
This variety is more popular in the North Caucasus region. The tubers of this variety are oval and tasty. Can be stored for a very long time. The yield per hectare ranges from 165 to 365 centners.
Odysseus
The variety was bred in the Central Black Earth region. Tubers are well stored and transported without loss of quality. Excellent taste characteristics. The yield of the variety reaches 300 centners per hectare.
Visa
This is a very productive variety that, under favorable conditions, will delight you with more than 460 centners of tasty potatoes per hectare. The resulting harvest can be stored for a long period.
Santa
Champion among productive varieties! The maximum yield reaches 570 c/ha. Purpose – cooking food and potato chips. It has tremendous protection against late blight, as well as a number of other diseases.
The tubers turn out to be very tasty and can be stored and transported for a long time without losing their presentation.
History of variety development
Labella
The authors of the variety are breeders from Germany. The Solana company is known in all corners of the world, because they specialize in creating hybrid varieties of different vegetable crops. In Russia, Labella potatoes were approved for cultivation in 2011, as they were included in the State Register. The variety was recommended for cultivation in some areas:
- Central;
- Central Black Earth;
- Volgo-Vyatka;
- North Caucasus;
- Far Eastern.
Over the past few years, the geography of cultivation has expanded. Today, reddish-pink tubers can be found in almost all Russian regions.
Mid-season potato varieties with detailed descriptions
belongings
A very productive variety that will produce up to 650 centners per hectare. The tubers are not only large, but also extremely tasty. It is not afraid of major diseases, but a variety such as late blight will cause a lot of problems for tops and tubers.
Dubrava
A table variety, which is also facilitated by the excellent taste and optimal properties of the tubers. Can be grown in almost any type of soil. The yield is high - up to 540 centners per hectare. Copes well with all kinds of diseases and infections. Long-term transportation and storage will not spoil the taste and external qualities of the tubers.
Sap
The variety is interesting because it can withstand drought, but does not tolerate excessive watering. Otherwise, the tubers will begin to crack. Tubers can be stored for an extended period.
This variety can successfully fight back against the main types of infections and diseases. It is considered high-yielding at rates up to 550 centners per hectare.
Krinitsa
The variety germinates well in one-dimensional soil. Capable of surprising with high yields, reaching 500 centners per hectare. The tubers are distinguished by their excellent taste and ability to be stored for a long time without changes. The variety is not afraid of most viruses and infections.
Yanka
The variety is characterized by impressive yields, which can reach almost 630 centners per hectare! Tubers can surprise you with both their taste and long-term storage. Potato nematode and various viruses are not dangerous for this variety, but wet rot and late blight can cause a lot of complications for it.
Recommendations for caring for Labella potatoes
Recommendations for caring for Labella potatoes
To obtain good results and productivity, it is necessary to avoid the main mistakes of growing potatoes, because the harvest depends not only on weather and climatic conditions, but also on caring for the crop. To do this, you need to take into account such nuances as watering, fertilizing and disease prevention.
Potatoes are watered during droughts when there is no rain. Each bush requires 10 to 15 liters of water. Watering is carried out at the root, in the evening. Morning watering is fraught with the appearance of burns on wet foliage.
During cultivation, it is optimal to use a scheme of three feedings. The first is done during the planting period. Take 1 tablespoon of “Solution” as fertilizer; this medicine can be replaced with a similar amount of urea. Dilute the fertilizer in water (the volume of one bucket). They feed the second time when the buds begin to form. Ash and potassium phosphate are used as fertilizer, which are diluted in 10 liters of water. The third is performed during the flowering period for faster growth of root crops.
Fertilizing is important for growing potatoes; without fertilizers, they develop worse. However, an excess of nutrients can negatively affect the growth of the bush.
Treatment with herbicides is an important component of the prevention of crop diseases. Although the variety tolerates late blight , it is rarely affected by viruses. As a preventative method, it is worth changing the planting site every few years. Potatoes grow well in soils where legumes or cabbage were previously grown. It is not recommended to plant tubers in places where peppers or tomatoes grew.
Mid-late potato varieties: the best of the best
Blakit
The variety is distinguished by excellent and stable yield, tasty and large tubers, as well as reliable protection against many infections and diseases, including scab, potato nematode and late blight. The growing process can be carried out on almost any type of soil.
Aurora
A high-yielding and disease-resistant variety that is considered a table variety. From one bush you can collect up to 14 tubers. They will pleasantly surprise you not only with their taste, but also with their size. Can be stored for a long period without external changes.
Ragneda
Tubers of this variety are primarily intended for subsequent sale. They are distinguished by their excellent presentation, which will not change after moderate mechanical damage, as well as excellent taste. The variety is quite resistant to potato nematodes and cancer, and is also practically immune to many viruses and ditylenchosis. You can get up to 14 tubers from one bush.
Picasso
The variety was bred in Holland. It has good protection against both known and rare diseases and viruses. One bush can produce up to 19 large tubers with good taste. Long-term storage will not affect the external characteristics.
Lasunok
The main features of this variety are its excellent taste. At the same time, the tubers are not afraid of long-term storage and transportation. The variety has good protection against all diseases except late blight.
Landing
The planting time depends on the region where the crop will be grown. In order for Labella to please her owner with a good harvest, it is necessary to follow a number of simple rules:
- Before planting, the tubers need to be germinated. They begin germination a month before the planned planting. To do this, the seed material is transferred from storage to a warmer place, where the tubers warm up and sprout.
- It is advisable to plant whole tubers. They should be medium in size (no more than 90 g).
- If the soil is nutritious, then you should not add additional fertilizers. Potatoes grow well in light soils that have been fertilized in the fall.
- Tubers are planted to a depth of no more than 10 cm. If the soil is heavy, then the depth of the root crop should not be more than 8 cm.
- Planting is carried out when the soil has become warm enough. This means warming the soil to +8-9 C. Outside at this time it will be approximately +13-15 C.
- The distance between the rows is maintained at 60-70 cm. It will provide good illumination and ventilation of the bushes, as well as easier hilling.
- The distance between the holes is left at least 30 cm.
Late potato varieties: features with illustrations
Stonefly
Phenomenal yield (up to 660 centners per hectare) makes this variety extremely attractive for summer residents. Taste characteristics are moderate, as is protection from many diseases. Growing can take place in almost any type of soil, and the tubers will last a very long time.
Atlant
Another record holder for yield among late varieties. Under favorable conditions, you can get up to 660 quintals per hectare. You should not overwater the bushes, especially during the second growing season. Taste qualities significantly exceed the norm. The variety is well protected from late blight and viral diseases, but it copes satisfactorily with potato nematode and scab.
Temp A unique feature of this variety is its easy and quick adaptability to any type of soil and potash fertilizers. It successfully resists the effects of late blight and scab, but it is necessary to protect the variety from viral diseases. The tubers have excellent taste and can be intended for processing.
Climber The variety can germinate on any soil, including peat bog. Excellent resistance to late blight, wet rot and potato nematode. The tubers turn out to be very tasty. Productivity reaches 500 centners per hectare.
Zarnitsa
To grow this variety, you need to take into account the characteristics of the soil, but you can ignore prolonged drought. It is possible to apply mineral fertilizers. One bush can produce up to 16 tubers. Potatoes taste great and can be stored for a very long time. Resistance to diseases and viruses is above average.
Source
Care
Caring for the Labella variety is no more difficult than any other potato. You only need to follow a few rules:
- Spud. Hilling is the most important agrotechnical procedure. In addition to the fact that hilling helps to form new stolons on the bush, which increases the yield by 20-30%, it also allows you to loosen the soil and remove weeds.
- Loosen the soil. The soil is loosened during hilling. However, due to watering and precipitation, the soil often becomes compacted and two hillings per season are not enough. Therefore, periodically, it is necessary to loosen the soil.
- Apply fertilizers. Potatoes are a specific crop that depends on fertilizing, but at the same time can suffer from them. If the soil is light and was fertilized with humus in the fall, then there is no need to apply fertilizer. If the soil is poor in minerals, then during planting it is recommended to add a handful of wood ash to each hole. Such feeding will act as a stimulant, which will accelerate the growth of tops, thereby allowing the crop to gain a foothold in its place.
- Water. Watering significantly affects potato yield. But nevertheless, excessive watering can only do harm. Watering Labella is recommended only during periods of severe drought. Most often, the crop needs water before flowering and immediately after it. Intermediate watering is possible if the climate is too hot.
- Inspect for diseases and parasites. It is necessary to periodically inspect the bushes for the presence of infestations by fungi or insects. If signs of some disease, for example, late blight, are noticed, then you need to immediately eliminate the diseased plant and treat healthy bushes with special pesticides.
Super elite potato. How to grow from seeds
Hello, dear readers!
Let's talk about potato propagation, and not just about choosing good tubers, but about how to grow super-elite potatoes from seeds. Have you noticed that harvests have become much smaller than before and diseases are only increasing year by year? And if my grandfather also advised to take potatoes from another field, even from a neighbor, for renewal, then in our time this advice no longer works. The neighbor’s potatoes are also sick. Even in the comments, a reader wrote to me that no one wants to plant potatoes anymore, because they don’t grow.
But we are planting and there is an article “How to plant potatoes - we respect traditions”
Spring is coming and it’s in my head, maybe I’ll sow all these potatoes with flowers – we’ll buy them!
But then you remember yours in the fall - you cook it, and it falls apart - it’s delicious... And the store-bought one - you cook and cook - no taste, no appearance. I'm going to plant potatoes again, hoping that it will be a good year and something will grow. But I don't want to do this anymore. I will grow potatoes from seeds so that I will always have a harvest.
Super elite potato.
How to grow from seeds yourself at home
It's not that difficult to grow your own super super elite at home.
But maybe not everyone knows exactly what this very elite and super elite are, let’s clarify.
What are elite and super elite potatoes?
- 1 year - If you take potato seeds and grow them into nodules in the first year, not necessarily very small ones, they will be called minitubers. This is a completely disease-free varietal material.
- Year 2 - When planted in the ground, real bushes with a good harvest will grow and these tubers are called super super elite.
- Year 3 - We leave them for seeds and next year we get super elite.
- Year 4 - The same potatoes are simply elite.
- Year 5 - First reproduction of the elite.
- Year 6 – Second reproduction of the elite.
Naturally, you should not continue further, since potato tubers quickly accumulate various sores. Therefore, we take the seeds again and grow our own clean, healthy potatoes for planting.
You can buy it, of course. But where is the guarantee that they will sell you the names of minitubers or super super elite varieties, and not a trifle that should have been sent only for animal feed. You can't tell them apart by their appearance!
Another question - where to get the seeds?
You can buy it in the store, but take varietal seeds, not hybrids. Better yet, collect seeds from your best potato bushes. After flowering they form small tomatoes. We collect seeds from them, just like from tomatoes. Read on for more details.
I think that for the sake of a good harvest in the next five to six years, you can babysit potato seedlings for one season. You will find many different ways to grow minitubers in this article from the very interesting blog “Ural Vegetable Garden”.
How to grow potatoes from seeds
Almost the same as eggplant and tomato seedlings, they are similar. But there are differences.
- The shoots are weak and thin, you need to dive very, very carefully.
- The soil for such sissies is the softest and fluffiest you can prepare.
- Water only with warm water and carefully under the root, no stagnation. They will immediately get sick with blackleg.
- Seedlings need to be sown early, in February, so additional illumination of the seedlings is necessary for normal growth.
- Difficulties may arise when transporting and planting seedlings on the site. Not everyone, unfortunately, has it at hand. Sprouts have fragile shoots and do not have a main stem like peppers or tomatoes.
- Potato seedlings are very thermophilic. Don't forget, potatoes come from South America. Although it grows beautifully in the Southern Urals. And in May the time has come to plant, we can’t wait any longer.
Here I ask you to pay attention - do not plant in open ground, it is a hassle to provide shelter from frost, and you will not always be able to be on the site in time to shelter from frost or, on the contrary, to open from heat. Occupying the greenhouse with potatoes is also not an option; tomatoes are already next in line.
Therefore, organize a small greenhouse for potato seedlings, and leave the seedlings there for the whole summer in the first year. Of course, if a lot has grown, you can plant it in the ground, but you need to protect it from frost. A greenhouse is also good because it is easier to create fertile, light soil, which is necessary in the first year.
7. It will be useful for seedlings if you mulch the bushes. And you have less worries with watering, weeding, and the earth will not overheat.
8. In general, at a young age, potatoes are vulnerable and tender, so there will be more fuss with them than with tomato seedlings. But I am sure that all this will be justified by the future harvest.
From the personal experience of readers
To dispel your doubts completely, I will give an example of readers from the Vologda region.
“If you decide to grow healthy potatoes, then you don’t have to buy planting tubers in the store. You can grow super super elite yourself at home. To do this, we collect potato seeds after flowering and ripening. The variety you like. It is best to collect them before harvesting, when the seeds begin to separate from the bush. Then, in a dark and well-ventilated room, they should ripen to a soft state. We separate the seeds, wash them, dry them. Then next year in mid-February or early March, drive them out through seedlings. According to the 10 by 10 cm pattern. Plant seedlings depending on the weather in mid-May. Seedlings should be planted in open ground according to a pattern of 50 cm by 1 meter. If you have grown the seedlings correctly, the bush will be a meter in diameter in mid-June! Harvest according to potato variety. The sorcerer gave 40 potatoes in the bush! From 100 to 150 gr. Don’t forget to also hill up at least 3 times during the summer and water depending on the weather. And at the end of summer you will have a super super elite of your favorite variety. At the same time, freed from diseases.” – Mikhail and Larisa say.
Let me clarify a little that mini-tubers will grow, but they turned out not “mini” at all!
In the fall, when digging, you need to select the harvest from the best bushes for seed material for the next year. Don't be alarmed that the potatoes will grow in different colors and shapes. Choose the best in your opinion.
Now you are provided with a healthy seed fund for several years!
Read how to plant potatoes under straw. I also suggest reading “Description of potato varieties with photos,” and HERE is the continuation, then the third article about potato varieties!
Sincerely, Sofya Guseva.
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Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- unpretentiousness to conditions;
- endurance to heat, drought, cold, temperature changes, excess humidity;
- resistance to major diseases;
- excellent yield;
- possibility of long-term storage;
- great taste;
- transportability of fruits;
- ease of digging due to the compact arrangement of the nest with tubers;
- the harvest does not deteriorate, even if it is stored damaged, and tolerates changes in temperature and humidity in the basement;
- the ability to thicken plantings.
Minuses:
- periodically the variety suffers from late blight;
- late ripening;
- According to unconfirmed reports, the variety may be genetically modified, but there is no information about this.