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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: David R on June 27, 2006, 13:45:22

Title: second early potatoes
Post by: David R on June 27, 2006, 13:45:22
Never grown 2nd earlies before and have a couple of questions:

When they are ready, are they the same size as 1st earlies?

When are they normally due? (planted at same "normal" time as my maincrop)?

If they are left longer than recommended, do they turn into maincrops?

Cheers
D
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: sandersj89 on June 27, 2006, 14:20:21
They are normally ready in July/August and can be used as “new” potatoes then or left to be treated as main crops. They store well unlike first earlies and can be used for chipping, roasting, boiling, baking depending on the specific variety.

HTH

Jerry
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: Curryandchips on June 27, 2006, 14:44:42
I tend to treat my second earlies as an extension of my first earlies, since they are such a delight.  A few end up growing larger and getting used as maincrop, but they are all essentially consumed by the end of October, so I have never tested their keeping qualities.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: David R on June 27, 2006, 15:37:29
Thanks Jerry, Thanks Curry.

They do sound versatile don't they, glad I gave them a go.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: kitty on June 27, 2006, 17:06:15
i grow charlotte second earlies-its fantastic-and grows nice and big towards the end of the season without losing any flavour-i think its my favourite tater..
kitty
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: Svea on June 27, 2006, 22:57:28
i wasnt that fussed with charlotte - i much preferred nicola. i have lifted allof my nicolas now - need for space plus they were ready. yummy they are too!
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: amphibian on June 27, 2006, 23:00:05
I haven't grown Nicola, but have eaten them, they are very fine indeed.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: redimp on June 27, 2006, 23:02:13
Kestrels - very versatile, boiling, roasting, chipping etc and have a gread King Edward like taste.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: Hyacinth on June 27, 2006, 23:18:35
Ooh good, I've got Kestrels growing.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: Sprout on June 28, 2006, 12:53:04
And aren't they supposed to show good resistance to loads of the various kinds of bugs plaguing spuds?
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: sandersj89 on June 28, 2006, 12:58:58
From the Tuckers Seeds website:

SEP08: KESTREL
PARENTAGE: SEEDLING  S. VERNIE x CARA, 1992.
APPEARANCE:Oval tubers with purple eyes, similar to Catriona.  Excellent for showing.
YIELD:  Well above average yield.
CONSUMER QUALITY:  Floury tasty flesh, better steamed than boiled.
HEALTH: Susceptible to Common Scab.  Good resistance to Blackleg and virus Y. Good drought resistance.  Good field resistance to slugs.   
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: Rosyred on June 29, 2006, 14:42:28
I grew maris peer 2nd earliers and charlotte salad pot should I of only grown one?

Also grew first earliers and main.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: kitty on June 29, 2006, 16:25:56
the more the merrier i say rosy!

my name is kitty and i am a taterholic.
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: David R on June 29, 2006, 16:58:18
mine are maris peer. Actually lovely looking plants with great flowers. Must remember to stick a couple in the border next year
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: Rosyred on June 29, 2006, 20:00:49
Been to the allotment this evening and my Maris Peer are dying it looks (turning yellow) like do you think they are ready?
Title: Re: second early potatoes
Post by: flossie on June 29, 2006, 20:22:46
We had the last of last year's Charlotte's last year - delicious