First Early Seed Potatoes

First early potatoes are generally more expensive in the supermarkets, and taste much better when they’ve just been harvested; just two reasons why they’re so popular for growing at home. Another reason why gardeners might favour this type of potato is that it’s less prone to potato blight, as the produce can be harvested before the disease manifests.

How To Grow First Early Potatoes

First early seed potatoes need to be planted at a depth of 10cm with at least 30cm between each potato. There needs to be at least 60 to 70cm left between each row to give the potato plants enough room to grow and expand. 

If planting first early seed potatoes in February or March, they will likely need plant protection from frosts in the form of a cold frame or garden cloche.

Open flowers (if present) will indicate when the first tubers are present. This should be within 9 to 12 weeks after planting. The potatoes should then be left for 2 to 3 weeks to allow the skin to harden so that they are able to store better.

How To Harvest First Earlies

First early potatoes and second early seed potatoes are lower yielding than other seed potatoes. They have the best taste when they are dug, cooked and prepared all within a few hours – this can only be done if you grow them yourself!

First early potatoes can be baked and roasted, but the most popular way of cooking them is to boil and dress in butter and rosemary.

You may also be interested in Suttons’ McCain Potato Range.

Buy Early Seed Potatoes UK from Suttons