Hi,
There are a lot of questions regarding potato varieties.
The British Potato Council publishes a site with a wealth of information and a database of varieties here : http://varieties.potato.org.uk/menu.php? you can search by type, resistance to disease, tuber size etc.
For instance the data sheet for maris piper is here : http://varieties.potato.org.uk/display_description.php?variety_name=Maris%20Piper
Hope some find this useful.
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
When you go to Potato Days they usually sell a small pamphlet by A Romans which contains similar info... for the technophobes among us... ;D
Yup,
You can download the database booklet in PDF here : http://varieties.potato.org.uk/reports/BPVD000101.pdf
Great nightly bedtime reading :-)
Thanks
Ummm... doesn't work using Firefox (or Konqueror) and Okular running on Mandriva Linux 2010.... is it Mozilla compliant or knocked up on some M$ app?
It does, but it's 36.4 MB, you have to give it an hour or two!!
Try 'Save Link As' instead. :)
Oh thats great, thank you :D
Whoops!
Sorry - forgot to mention it is a big file and takes a while to download - as for how its been "knocked up" I don't have any idea - ask your question to the British Potato Council ;D
Thanks
The first search I did was for Belle de Fontenay which is wrongly listed in the database as a first early whereas it is, in fact, an early maincrop, which only develops its delicious flavour if grown as a maincrop. So first impressions were not good!
Quote from: grawrc on January 12, 2010, 09:34:03
The first search I did was for Belle de Fontenay which is wrongly listed in the database as a first early whereas it is, in fact, an early maincrop, which only develops its delicious flavour if grown as a maincrop. So first impressions were not good!
Hi,
Thanks for your observation, I only posted the links as a guide for people who want to know a little more about varieties - Use them as you will or dont use them at all. The particular variety you mention Can be classed as a First or Second Early variety, as it is a salad potato, harvesting with the maincrops (autumn) would completly miss the season it was intended for - ie the salad season (summer).
But as I said - I am not defending the site - just posting the links for info, If there is a blatantly incorrect listing comments should be directed to the British Potato Council.
Thanks
Gareth
Quote from: chriscross1966 on January 12, 2010, 03:22:29
Ummm... doesn't work using Firefox (or Konqueror) and Okular running on Mandriva Linux 2010.... is it Mozilla compliant or knocked up on some M$ app?
Opens fine in Firefox - just takes an age Chris - Slow site and a big file.
As PDF is now an open ISO standard as long as it complies with that standard surely it makes no difference whether it was created under Linux or Windows?
Thanks for posting this Gareth. It worked fine for me (with firefox)
The info will be very useful. I like the way there's photos, so one can see what the potato will actually (or should!) look like, rather than just a description, including some with photos of the flowers :D
QuoteI like the way there's photos, so one can see what the potato will actually (or should!) look like, rather than just a description, including some with photos of the flowers
That's all we need Potato porn as well,.... ;D
Quote from: saddad on January 12, 2010, 10:53:41
QuoteI like the way there's photos, so one can see what the potato will actually (or should!) look like, rather than just a description, including some with photos of the flowers
That's all we need Potato porn as well,.... ;D
Hehe - I really think you need to spend more time off the allotment ! ;D
I have Firefox too and had no problems downloading it. Thanks for the link Gareth, it will come in handy.
Quote from: supplies for smallholders on January 12, 2010, 10:04:28
The particular variety you mention Can be classed as a First or Second Early variety, as it is a salad potato, harvesting with the maincrops (autumn) would completly miss the season it was intended for - ie the salad season (summer).
Oh really?
http://www.alanromans.com/p-1675-belle-de-fontenay.aspx (http://www.alanromans.com/p-1675-belle-de-fontenay.aspx)
Quote from: saddad on January 12, 2010, 10:53:41
That's all we need Potato porn as well,.... ;D
ha ha... photos of naked potatoes and their sexual organs ;-) LOL cheered me up on a cold day ;D
Quote from: grawrc on January 12, 2010, 11:41:47
Oh really?
http://www.alanromans.com/p-1675-belle-de-fontenay.aspx (http://www.alanromans.com/p-1675-belle-de-fontenay.aspx)
I suppose the database states what the potatoes have been developed for - so as Gareth pointed out, they were developed and can be grown as a salad "early" potato...
However, Alan Romans is known for adding his own views - so in his view (and yours) they are not an early potato.
I for one, like to see different views. I then make up my own opinion ;D
Quote from: grawrc on January 12, 2010, 11:41:47
Quote from: supplies for smallholders on January 12, 2010, 10:04:28
The particular variety you mention Can be classed as a First or Second Early variety, as it is a salad potato, harvesting with the maincrops (autumn) would completly miss the season it was intended for - ie the salad season (summer).
Oh really?
http://www.alanromans.com/p-1675-belle-de-fontenay.aspx (http://www.alanromans.com/p-1675-belle-de-fontenay.aspx)
My apologies, I forgot that "Alan Romans Seed Sales" was the definitive knowledge base for seed potatoes - obviously the British Potato Council does not have a clue what they are talking about ::) and I stand corrected :D
Looks like this could become a "Hot Potato" ;D
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
Oh,
By the way - my seed potatoes are Considerably cheaper than in the link you posted above and come with a Certified Scottish Seed Tag. :P
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
Quote from: supplies for smallholders on January 12, 2010, 12:16:35
Oh,
By the way - my seed potatoes are Considerably cheaper than in the link you posted above and come with a Certified Scottish Seed Tag. :P
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
heh, I don't need a 25kg bag :P
Funny how whenever anyone posts some outside source of info theres alway a plethora of those who want to dismiss it in a defensive kind of way ;D
Guess the snowy weather is causing techiness these days.
Potato varieties are a combination of short and long day hybrids, use them as they suit you and your position.
Hi again,
Sorry if I have upset any of the "more established" members of the community - it was not intentional, It was not meant to diminish or undermine anybodies position of knowledge and to be honest I did not think it would create such a lively debate.
Perhaps I should stop posting links to sources of information I myself find invaluable
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
Gareth, please don't stop posting, I for one find any info posted helpful and would never dismiss any advice, help or links. I don't know what's happening on this forum recently, but there does seem to be quite a few dismissive posts. I try and ignore them and hope the site friendliness returns to normal soon...
Thanks
p.s. welcome to the site :-)
Hi
Thanks Mat :)
Like one of the earlier posts said - Must be the cold weather, I mean who wants to be outside in this ?
and thanks for the "welcome to the site" - first one I have had :(
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
Just to add to the discussion. International Kidney are Jersey Royals which are known as being early potatoes. I sell them as a first early but they are actually classed as a maincrop. ;D
Welcome to the site Gareth.
Quote from: supplies for smallholders on January 12, 2010, 12:00:36
My apologies, I forgot that "Alan Romans Seed Sales" was the definitive knowledge base for seed potatoes - obviously the British Potato Council does not have a clue what they are talking about ::) and I stand corrected :D
Your sarcastic response isn't really helpful. I simply stated an opinion. It was based on my personal growing experience. It also happens to be the opinion of Alan Romans whose views on potatoes I have learnt to respect. Perhaps, as is often the case in forums, it was too tersely expressed hence giving the impression that it was intended as a put-down. If that is the case I apologise.
Personally I don't like the potato database you linked to but there will be plenty who do and that's fine. Good on you for posting the link. Having used the database on and off over the last few years I now prefer to google information about potatoes and get a diversity of views. You'll probably not be surprised that I have found lots of differing opinions about individual cultivars!!
Quote from: supplies for smallholders on January 12, 2010, 12:16:35
Oh,
By the way - my seed potatoes are Considerably cheaper than in the link you posted above and come with a Certified Scottish Seed Tag. :P
Thanks for that and, yes, on looking at your site I see that they are. However, as someone else has already pointed out, I don't plant on that scale - 1 or 2kg of each potato is my max. Also you don't seem to have the varieties I grow - Lady Christl, Kestrel and (guess what!) Belle de Fontenay. And, with all due respect, why would I buy Scottish seed potatoes from Lincolnshire when I live in Scotland? Not too good for my carbon footprint I think! :o :o
I think your best bet would be to get an allotment association to bulk buy your seed potatoes. Not many of us afaik grow your kind of quantities. Oh and welcome to the site! ;D ;D
Good points well made - Friends ?
A lively debate certainly warms the blood in this weather ;D
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
Quote from: Tattieman on January 13, 2010, 09:21:11
Just to add to the discussion. International Kidney are Jersey Royals which are known as being early potatoes. I sell them as a first early but they are actually classed as a maincrop. ;D
Welcome to the site Gareth.
So are you JBA? If so I have just sent in an order. Could not work out how to order potatoes for summer planting though. Can you send me a pm if I can add some to my order?
Wotcha Gareth !! Welcome to the forum, all links gratefully recieved, can't have too much info on spuds!!!!!!
;) ;D ;D ;D
Wecome Gareth, as Tone says never too much info on spuds, there should be a seperate section for spuds but as much as we ask it seems were not going to get it. :-X ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Geoff H on January 13, 2010, 12:08:47
So are you JBA? If so I have just sent in an order. Could not work out how to order potatoes for summer planting though. Can you send me a pm if I can add some to my order?
Yes I am JBA during the day and Tattieman at night.
The summer potatoes won't be online until later in the year and thanks for your order.
I wish I needed 25kg of them brilliant price's I paid nearly £10 yesterday for 5kg.
Thanks for the link Gareth.
Quote
Yes I am JBA during the day and Tattieman at night.
The summer potatoes won't be online until later in the year and thanks for your order.
Thats Scary - Like saying you like being called "Susan" at weekends ;D
Quote from: Sinbad7 on January 13, 2010, 18:34:20
I wish I needed 25kg of them brilliant price's I paid nearly £10 yesterday for 5kg.
Thanks for the link Gareth.
No Problem - Added all our strawberry and soft fruit bushes now as well.
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
Quote from: supplies for smallholders on January 13, 2010, 19:45:32
Quote
Yes I am JBA during the day and Tattieman at night.
The summer potatoes won't be online until later in the year and thanks for your order.
Thats Scary - Like saying you like being called "Susan" at weekends ;D
Yeah tell me about it ;D
Hi again,
Looks like I made a bit of a blunder with the strawberries and soft fruit plants - I priced them with VAT - they are not a Vat item so I have corrected this - so they are even more of a bargain now ! ;-)
Thanks