Oakham Store | Opening Times | Gift Cards
Gates - Gardening - Plants, Seeds & Bulbs - Seeds - Seed Potatoes - Duke of York First Early Seed Potatoes
A classic, long-running First Early heritage variety that is perfect for enjoying in a wide range of culinary dishes.
£2.99 – £5.99
Shop with confidence at Gates
Duke of York Seed Potatoes were first registered on the national list back in 1891 and soon became famous for their great taste and all-round culinary use in the kitchen.
These potatoes have yellow flesh and are oval in shape. They particularly excel when boiled straight from your garden becoming desirably dry and mealy. Duke of York also has excellent resistance to dry rot making it easier to grow for new gardeners.
We recommend planting First Early potato tubers, such as Duke of York, 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.
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 using in the kitchen.