Seed potato Solanum tuberosum "Patricia"

• Type: seed potato (tubers for planting)
• Botanical name: Solanum tuberosum "Patricia"
• Planting time: early to mid-May, soil at least 8 °C
• Spacing: 30–35 cm between plants, 60–70 cm between rows, 8–10 cm deep
• Amount: about 0.3–0.4 kg per m²
• Light: full sun
• Soil: loose, fertile, slightly acid (pH 5.5–6.5), not waterlogged
• Use: home kitchen garden
• Size: sold by weight, price per 1 kg

Planting. 3–4 weeks before planting, chit the tubers in a light, cool place (12–15 °C) for an earlier crop. Plant in early to mid-May 8–10 cm deep, 30–35 cm apart in rows 60–70 cm apart. Do not plant where potatoes or tomatoes grew last year.

Watering and feeding. Before planting, work in compost or a potato fertiliser; avoid fresh manure, which encourages scab. Potatoes need most water during flowering and tuber set – water deeply then in dry summers.

Care. When the foliage is 15–20 cm tall, earth up the plants and repeat 2–3 weeks later. Keep the bed weed-free and watch for Colorado beetle and late blight – remove affected leaves at once.

Gardener's tip. For storage, lift the crop once the foliage has died back and let the tubers dry in the shade for a couple of days before storing. Potatoes keep best in the dark at 3–5 °C.