Many people love potatoes because they love its taste in the form of mashed potatoes, French fries, potato chips, potato cubes and more that mom serves with chicken on Sundays.
Although, these potatoes haven’t changed as much as other vegetables and hybrid qualities, yet there are certain differences that you may find today which did not exist earlier. Getting an opportunity to grow heirloom potatoes or heirloom seed potatoes is an exciting adventure for any gardening enthusiast.
These potatoes are highly capable of adapting almost any weather condition and there are multiple varieties that you may have never known before. The seeds of these potatoes have been passed down since generations.
All heirloom potatoes have different flavors and are best for different type of soil conditions. If you plan to grow Heirloom potatoes right from its seeds, you would be surprised to know that the seed produces exactly the same type of plant and flavor as that of its parent plant. Unlike the hybrid qualities that you see today, the seeds of potatoes remain the same as that of its parent.
What are the different types of varieties?
- Arran Victory is one of the best examples of heirloom potatoes that you might want to try. These potatoes were a part of the royal family dishes in the 1920s and 30s. These potatoes were developed in the Isle of Arran, in Scotland in 1980 and thus, come its name. The skin of these potatoes is ultra violet, but the interiors are milky white. These potatoes are great for storing purposes.
- Catriona is a Scotland variety that brings you one of its most colorful fleshes. Although, this variety is not so old and is only about 90 years, yet its bright yellow flesh has a very nice exquisite flavor. The skin showcases violet patches, and no one knows exactly when this variety was found.
- N’egresse – identified by a Russian geneticist, this potato tastes exactly like a mix of mushroom flesh. Its bluish black skin gives you the most vibrant color in your potato and is a great delight in your dishes. Also, if you boil this potato it turns into bluish gray and when you steam, it will turn into deep blue color.
What kind of soil should I prepare for these potatoes?
Try to keep the soil rich and loose. Also, make sure that the soil is at least 18 inches deep. Use compost every hundred feet to make sure that the soil is highly fertile. These potatoes are used to a little acidic soil so it’s important that you put your fertilizer ahead in time before you plant these potatoes.
How about watering them?
Watering any heirloom plant is important and so is the same with potatoes. Like any other heirloom plants, it is extremely important that you keep it away from too much water, especially when they are little. Too much watering brings diseases to these plants.
Harvesting these plants is not a difficult job and if you maintain a rich and loose soil it is easy for you to pull the plant out. However, it is extremely important that you choose to buy quality heirloom potato seeds from your nursery to see higher yields.
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