British Queen Second Early Seed Potatoes

British Queen is a heritage variety of seed potato, first listed in 1894 and is known in Ireland as Queens.

Its tubers are oval in shape with white skin and white flesh. British Queen potatoes have a dry and floury texture that is packed with taste when boiled. Now a rare variety and only grown in small quantities, this variety is becoming ever more popular.

This variety also has excellent dry rot resistance and is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

• Ideal for baking, boiling and roasting
• British grown Seed Potatoes
• Great for pots and containers

Planting Guide

We recommend planting Second Early potato tubers, such as British Queen, outside from March onwards, 10cm deep and 20cm apart in a line. Leave at least 30cm between lines to allow growing space.

Prior to planting, encourage Seed Potatoes to sprout by placing them on a cool, bright windowsill for 4-6 weeks. This process is known as ‘chitting’ and will help prepare the potato tuber for going in the ground.

Once planted, ‘earth up’ the potatoes by drawing the soil up around new shoots to protect them from frost damage and prolong the growing time. Earthing up also protects developing potatoes from sunlight which causes them to turn green and poisonous. Keep potatoes well watered during warm weather.

Harvesting Guide

When ready to harvest, cut back haulms (plant stalks) to ground level before gently lifting the plant up with a garden fork.

Carefully remove the potatoes from the plant and wash well before use in the kitchen.

Details

• Pack size: 2kg bag (16-28 tubers)
• Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit
• When to plant: March, April
• When to harvest: June, July, August
• Planting depth: 10cm/4″
• Bulb spacing: 20cm/8″
• Soil type: Moist but well-drained
• Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
• Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
• Hardiness: Tolerant of low temperatures but will not survive being frozen