About
A high-yielding, red-skinned late maincrop variety that produces a good amount of weed-smothering foliage, but it is the potatoes natural resistance to blight that makes it stand out from the crowd. Also shows good resistance to Potato blackleg, slugs and some potato viruses. It also has good crop yields and stores well so the good harvest potential will mean you do not have to eat them all at once. It is a good all rounder in the kitchen and has a floury texture that is great for baking, roasting and making chips.
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 usesPatio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
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. 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 resistanceShows good resistance to slugs but may be susceptible to cutworms, wireworms, leaf and bud eelworm, Potato cyst nematodes
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely). Shows good resistance to Potato blight, Potato blackleg, potato virus 'Y', but may be susceptible to Potato scab, Potato rot, and stem canker