Second Earlies
Kestrel Seed Potatoes are a popular choice for gardeners looking for a reliable second early variety that delivers outstanding taste and versatility. Known for their smooth, blue-skinned potatoes with a creamy, waxy texture, Kestrel potatoes are perfect for boiling, mashing, and roasting. Their exceptional flavour and consistent performance make them a favourite among home growers.
Key Features:
Early Harvest: Kestrel potatoes typically mature in about 12-14 weeks, providing a delicious crop for early summer enjoyment.
Delicious Flavour: With a creamy texture and rich taste, these potatoes are versatile in the kitchen, enhancing various dishes from salads to hearty mains.
High Yield: This variety is known for producing generous quantities of potatoes, making it a rewarding choice for any gardener.
Disease Resistant: Kestrel potatoes are bred for resilience against common potato diseases, ensuring a healthy and reliable harvest.
Growing Instructions:
Plant second early potato crops from March. Before planting, 'chit' the seed potatoes by setting them out in a cool, bright position (around 10°C / 50°F) to allow them to sprout.
When growing second early potatoes in the ground, avoid planting in soil where potatoes have grown for two years in succession to reduce the risk of disease. Prepare a sheltered position in full sun with moist, well-drained soil, incorporating plenty of well-rotted manure. Space seed potatoes 37cm (15") apart in rows set out 75cm (2', 6") apart. Place the seed potatoes into 10cm (4") deep trenches and backfill the soil to refill the trenches. Once shoots reach 20cm (8"), mound soil around them, leaving just a few centimetres visible. Repeat this process after three weeks.
If space is limited, consider growing potatoes in bags. Fill an 8-litre potato bag with quality compost mixed with well-rotted manure, leaving some space at the top. Carefully plant a single chitted tuber with the shoots facing upwards at a depth of 12cm (5") from the soil surface. Place the bags in a sunny location and water regularly to keep the compost moist.
By following these simple steps, you'll soon be enjoying a bountiful harvest of Kestrel Seed Potatoes!