About
This maincrop, heritage potato was bred on the Isle of Arran to celebrate the end of the First World War. This variety can get quite tall so sheltered ground is best. Also good to bake, steam, chip and mash. It is now quite rare but worth growing if you can find it as they are supposed to make the best roast potatoes! The potatoes are oval with purple-blue skin, which fades during cooking, and has bright white flesh with a floury texture.
About the genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, except potato crop. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten, except potato crop - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, frost-free site with deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil for high quality and heavy yields. Plants are tall so if possible try to grow on a less exposed site. Improve soil by adding organic matter, such as well-rotted manure, in the autumn. Draw earth up around the stems as they emerge, to exclude light and prevent the potatoes from becoming green. Water well in dry periods. Potatoes can also be grown in large containers or potato gro-bags. See potato cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by chitting tubers or 'seed potatoes'. This is done by standing the tubers 'rose-end' up (the end with the most eyes) in egg boxes or trays in a cool, light place. After two to three weeks the shoots will begin to sprout. Plant out after frosts have passed, from about mid March to mid April
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cutworms, slugs, wireworms, leaf and bud eelworm and potato cyst eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Potato scab, Potato blight, Potato rot, Potato blackleg and stem canker