How to grow multi-purpose potatoes "Phelox": characteristics of the variety, description and photo

Spreading

The Felox subspecies was bred by German breeders. The originator is Saka Palanzenzucht.

In Russia, the distribution of the subspecies is carried out by the Oktyabrsky enterprise and the Sedek farm.

Today the variety has become widespread throughout the world..

It is grown in Germany, Austria, Holland, India, and China. It also actively grows in Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation.

In Russia, potato bushes of this variety can be found in almost all regions. The subspecies grows well in any weather conditions. Tolerates drought and sudden temperature changes.

Important! This variety is recommended for early planting and early harvesting.

Breeding a variety

The Felox variety was produced in Germany by employees of the company Saka Palanzenzucht. Today it is grown almost all over the world - in Europe, America, Asia, India, China, and in the countries of the former Union. This is possible due to the fact that the crop adapts well to any climate, soil, and withstands cold, temperature fluctuations and dry periods. The variety is included in the State Register of the Russian Federation with a recommendation for cultivation in the Middle Volga region.

Did you know? The largest tuber in the world, weighing 11.2 kg, was grown by Lebanese farmer Khalil Semhat. He ended up on the pages of the Guinness Book of Records.

Potato Felox variety characteristics

The bushes are an erect, leafy variety. The leaves are large or medium. They have a dark emerald hue. The edges of the leaves are slightly jagged.

The surface of the leaves is glossy. The corolla is large. It has a burgundy-lilac color. The anthocyanin tint of the bud is very weak. The tuber is elongated and has a rounded shape at the edges.

Weight varies between 100-120 g. The largest specimens weigh 200 grams. The peel has a soft amber hue. The pulp is light, snow-white-amber. The starch content reaches 16-17%.

You can compare tuber weight and starch content with other varieties using the table below:

Important! Experienced gardeners recommend spraying the tubers with copper sulfate before planting. With the help of growth stimulants, the bushes grow more lush, and the formation of tubers occurs at a rapid pace.

Potatoes store well, the main thing is to remember the necessary conditions and terms. We have prepared for you detailed information on storing potatoes in boxes, in winter, in the refrigerator and peeled.

Botanical description

Let's consider the main external characteristics of the variety and fruit, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Description of potatoes

Tubers are formed elongated in shape. The weight of one specimen is 100–120 g. When planted in favorable climatic conditions and with high-quality care, one tuber can gain 200 g. The peel is amber in color. The pulp is light in color. It has high taste qualities. Tubers contain from 16 to 17% starch. Felox potatoes can be used for any culinary purpose. It does not darken when cut. The tubers tolerate transportation well, maintaining marketability at 98%.

Today the variety has become widespread throughout the world.

Description of the bush

The bush grows straight, with a large number of leaves. The leaves are large, dark green, jagged along the edges. The top leaf plate is glossy. Blooms burgundy-lilac.

Ripening time and yield

Tubers ripen early. From the emergence of seedlings to harvesting the fruits, 60–70 days pass. One bush can produce from 19 to 25 tubers. The productivity of the variety is 550–600 c/ha.

Variety resistance to diseases

Bushes of the Felox variety have good resistance to potato blight and golden nematode, show average resistance to late blight and are often susceptible to attack by wireworms.

Pros and cons of the variety

• Gardeners who have already dealt with growing the described variety note the following positive characteristics:
• early ripening;
• undemanding to the composition and quality of the soil;
• ease of planting and care;
• optimal level of starch in fruits;
• high productivity;
• excellent taste and commercial characteristics of tubers;
• good immunity;
• the ability of tubers to tolerate transportation well;
• long shelf life.

• Among the disadvantages are:
• the need for additional protective treatments against late blight, wireworm, and scab.

Photo

The photo shows the Felox potato variety:

Technology for growing varieties in open ground

The highest yields can be achieved from potatoes that are planted in a suitable place, after the recommended predecessors, at the required time, with proper preparation of the soil and planting material.

This subspecies grows best in soft, loose soil. In stone soil during the growing season, the growth of bushes can slow down greatly. In this case, the tubers are greatly deformed

Optimal landing location and timing

When growing in open beds, potatoes should be allocated a place that is sufficiently illuminated by the sun. According to the rules of crop rotation, seeds should be placed in the soil where green manure, cucumbers, legumes, onions, cabbage, carrots, and beets previously grew. Planting in beds previously occupied by potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers is not recommended. When to plant, it is necessary to determine the temperature of the soil - at a depth of 10 cm it should warm up to +8...+10°C.

You will be interested to know what is better to plant after potatoes.

Depending on the growing region, this may occur from late March to early May. When planting early, the beds should be covered with film or non-woven material. There is another way to determine the most successful time for planting potatoes - folk signs. According to experienced gardeners, a clear sign that seeds should be buried in the ground is the opening of buds on birch trees and flowers on bird cherry trees.

Soil type

Any type of soil for Felox potatoes is suitable. Important conditions for successful potato growing are:

• the occurrence of groundwater at a level no closer than 65–70 cm from the soil surface;
• neutral or slightly alkaline pH reaction.

Important! Reducing acidity is helped by adding lime, dolomite flour, wood ash, and crushed eggshells to the soil.

The successful growth and development of a crop largely depends on how well the area is prepared for planting. Preparation is carried out in the fall or spring. In the autumn, it is necessary to remove plant debris from it, dig it deeply (20–25 cm deep) and fertilize it using urea, manure, and wood ash. If it was not possible to apply fertilizer in the fall, then the beds are fertilized in the spring.

In 2–3 weeks, you need to prepare the holes for planting and add 1 liter of dry humus, 1 handful of wood ash, 1 tbsp. l. nitrophoska, 1 tbsp. l. ammophoska, 0.5 tbsp. dolomite flour. Another fertilizing option is also possible: 2–3 handfuls of humus (rotted compost), 1 tbsp. l. wood ash, a small amount of chicken droppings, 3-4 tbsp. l. onion peel. During this period, fresh manure should not be introduced. It is capable of burning seeds.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the specifics of applying fertilizers for potatoes when planting.

Preparation of planting material

Potato seeds need to be germinated before planting. To do this, in about a month they are moved from the storage location to a room well illuminated by diffused light with a temperature of +13...+16°C and a humidity of 90–95%. Then culling is carried out, removing large and small tubers, damaged, diseased, without sprouts. For seeds suitable for planting, the sprouts should reach a length of 1 cm. 3 days before planting, the selected tubers should be placed in an aqueous solution of wood ash, Prestige or Epin-Extra preparations.

Thanks to growth stimulants, the bushes grow more luxuriantly, and tubers form quickly. This is necessary in order to prevent infection of plants by certain diseases and damage by harmful insects. To make the seeds sprout faster, they are placed in “Kornevin” or “Heteroauxin”. You can shorten the germination process to 20 days by placing the seeds in moistened sawdust or peat, pre-treated with a solution of copper sulfate (2 g/1 l of water). Seeds can also be placed in glass containers with a volume of 3 liters, which are then placed on a bright and warm windowsill.

Important! When planting Felox potatoes in regions where frosts are observed for a long time, rotted herbal plants are placed at the bottom of the holes. This way you can protect the seeds from freezing

Planting methods and scheme

Holes for planting are dug at a distance of 35–40 cm from each other. The row spacing should be 70–80 cm. How deep to dig the holes depends on the type of soil. In light and loose soils, the recommended hole depth is 6–7 cm. If the soil is heavier, then the seeds should be deepened by 7–8 cm. In very heavy, clayey soils, the holes should go 8–9 cm deep.

The technology for planting potatoes is as follows:

1. Place 1–2 seeds in one hole.
2. Fill the hole to the brim with soil.
3. Loosen the beds.
4. Cover the plantings with film (if required).

Productivity

Felox is an early ripening variety. From planting to technical ripeness, 65-70 days pass. The harvest ends at the end of August. The productivity of the variety is very high .

250 centners of potatoes are harvested from 1 hectare. The maximum yield is 600 c. One bush forms 19-25 tubers. The fruits are resistant to damage. They keep in cool vegetable stores for about six months.

In the table below you can see what the yield is and how many tubers there are in a bush for other potato varieties:

They have excellent commercial qualities . Marketability reaches 98%. The variety is in great demand. Sold in markets and stores. Felox potato variety can be transported over long distances .

Harvest and storage

The variety Felox belongs to the early varieties. Tubers planted at the end of May are fully ripened by the end of August. The readiness of potatoes for harvesting is judged by the condition of the tops. For harvesting, choose days without rain: wet soil is difficult to dig, and tubers can be damaged with a pitchfork.

After harvesting, the potatoes are dried, sorted and stored. When properly stored, the crop retains its presentation and taste until mid-spring.

How and when to collect

The start date for harvesting is determined by the appearance of the lower leaves on the bushes. Yellowing of the foliage signals that the potatoes are ready for harvest. Full readiness occurs when all the tops turn yellow. The Felox variety begins to be harvested at the end of summer, in August.

To injure the tubers less, they use pitchforks rather than shovels. The bush is lifted from the ground and the soil is shaken off with a light tap.

Storage features and keeping quality of the variety

The harvested crop is scattered on a dry surface in a dark room for 10-14 days to dry. The room must maintain an air temperature of +15...+18°C and good ventilation.

After drying, the potatoes are sorted. Sick, rotten, dry tubers are thrown away. Instances with mechanical damage are set aside for use in the near future for cooking. The best tubers are left for long-term storage.

A microclimate is created in the vegetable storage with an air temperature of +3...+5°C, humidity 85-90%, and good air circulation. If storage conditions are met, the harvest of the Felox variety can be stored for 6-7 months. The keeping quality of this variety reaches 90%.

Landing

The agricultural technology of this variety is standard. Planting takes place in early May . It is recommended to plant tubers after perennial grasses, peas, beans, corn, and beans. Recommended planting pattern: 30x65 cm. Depth should not exceed 8 cm.

If you plant Felox seed potatoes too deep, they may rot in the ground. Before planting, water the soil thoroughly.

The soil should be slightly acidic. Suitable sandy, loamy, turf soil. But it is best to use black soil.

Before planting, check for any defects or infestations . It is not recommended to plant defective tubers. The optimal weight of planting material should be 60-80 g.

Important! This subspecies grows best in soft, loose soil. In stone soil during the growing season, the growth of bushes can slow down greatly. In this case, the tubers are greatly deformed.

There are many ways to grow potatoes. On our website you can get acquainted with Dutch technologies, as well as methods of growing potatoes in bags, in barrels, under straw.

Advice from experienced gardeners and reviews about the Felox variety

Experienced gardeners advise not to use strong water pressure when watering, as a strong stream will wash away the soil and open the tubers. It is not recommended to delay the harvest time. As soon as the tops turn yellow, the tubers are removed from the ground before the wilting process begins.

Amateur gardeners characterize the variety as high-yielding, easy to care for, and with excellent taste.

Svetlana, Tambov : “A neighbor in the area shared tubers of the Felox variety. Despite the fact that the soil on our plots is dense and turfy, the tubers grew smooth and without defects. Each bush yielded 12-15 pieces.”

Pavel, Perm: “In the spring, I read a description of the Felox potato variety, looked at a photo of the tubers, and decided to try planting it. When growing, I did not use any special efforts, except for the basic rules of agricultural technology. The potatoes grew without problems. The number of tubers collected pleasantly surprised me.”

Elena, Astrakhan: “This season I planted and grew Felox potatoes. There was a lot of harvest. I was very impressed with the taste and didn’t get overcooked. I liked making chips from it.”

Diseases and pests

The subspecies is highly resistant to cancer, golden cyst nematode (Ro1,4). Moderately resistant to late blight of tubers and leaves.

Often, nightshade plants, including potatoes, are threatened by diseases such as Alternaria, Fusarium, Verticillium, and scab. Read more about them in the articles on our website.

Subject to attacks by wireworms.

Click beetles are also noted among the pests. They have an elongated body and settle on the stems and leaves of the plant. Causes irreparable damage to agricultural land.

This subspecies of potato requires preventive measures against pests, for example, against the Colorado potato beetle. Read in the articles on our website what folk remedies and chemical preparations exist to combat adults and larvae.

Insecticides are used as prevention. You can use granular products that are applied once. The “Prestige” product is perfect.

Potato Felox is an early ripening variety. Has a table purpose. Can be transported over long distances .

Resistant to mechanical damage. It has excellent commercial qualities. Grows well in any weather conditions. Loves slightly acidic soil, systematic watering, and fertilization. Read about when and how to apply fertilizers and how to do it correctly when planting in the detailed materials on our website. And mulching will help in the fight against weeds.

Growing and care

Potatoes are watered during periods of drought. Moisturizing is especially important during the growth of tops - one to two weeks after germination, as well as during the formation of tubers and at the beginning of budding.

Fertilizing is applied 2-3 times per season. Solutions must be weak, otherwise nitrates may be deposited in the tubers. It is prohibited to use fresh manure.

The first fertilizing is applied during the period of growing tops. It should consist of a weak solution of chicken droppings or humus or mineral nitrogen fertilizer. The second feeding is at the beginning of budding. Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are used.

Fertilizing should only be applied to moist soil after watering or rain. When added to dry soil there is a risk of burning the roots.

Periodically loosen the soil and hill up the bushes. It is necessary to carry out two hillings before flowering begins.

Useful video

Watch the video: preparing Felox potatoes for vernalization

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

The main advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The variety has many advantages:

• early ripening;
• grows on any soil;
• does not require special growing conditions;
• optimal starch content in tubers;
• high yield rates;
• excellent taste;
• preservation of presentation during long-term transportation;
• long shelf life.

The disadvantage is the need for additional treatments against late blight, wireworm, and scab.

Features of agricultural technology

The description of the variety suggests that this is an early potato. Therefore, in order to obtain the harvest as early as possible, planting work is carried out already in early May, and in the southern regions - at the end of April. The best predecessors for Felox potatoes are legumes, corn, and perennial grasses. The planting pattern used is 30x65 cm. Felox seed potatoes are not buried more than 8 cm in the ground. Otherwise, the tubers begin to rot in the ground, and seedlings cannot be expected.

Felox is unpretentious to growing conditions, but needs care and disease prevention

The peculiarity of this variety is that before planting in the beds, the soil must be thoroughly watered. For cultivation, soil with low acidity is selected. The ideal option would be black soil, but turf, loamy or sandy soil would also be suitable. A very important parameter is that the soil must be loose and soft, otherwise during the growing season the growth of Felox potato bushes slows down and the tubers turn out deformed.

Before planting, the seed must be checked for contamination or obvious defects. For planting, tubers weighing from 60 to 80 grams are selected. Felox, despite its resistance to some diseases and pests, can be affected by wireworms and late blight. Before planting, special granular preparations are added to the beds to help remove wireworm larvae. It’s a good idea to carry out the treatment with an affordable product – “Prestige”.

Felox tolerates drought and temperature changes well

Felox potatoes are watered systematically, focusing on drying the top layer of soil. The frequency of irrigation should not exceed twice a week. The property of this variety is the ability to tolerate drought and at the same time produce a good harvest. But excess moisture or stagnation of water leads not only to deterioration in keeping quality, but also to rotting of the tubers right in the ground. Felox responds gratefully to timely application of fertilizers, but do not overdo it with nitrogen-containing fertilizers. In this case, the plants will actively grow green mass, but the fruits will not develop.