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Gates - Gardening - Plants, Seeds & Bulbs - Seeds - Seed Potatoes - International Kidney Main Crop Seed Potatoes
Grow your own delicious International Kidney Main Crop Seed Potatoes with sublime texture, thick skins and rich, buttery flavour. 2kg bag contains 16-28 tubers.
£4.99
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First introduced in 1879, International Kidney Seed Potatoes are grown for their sublime texture, thin skins and rich, buttery flavour. Known as ‘Jersey Royals’ when grown on the island of Jersey, these main crop potatoes are perfect for boiling with extremely thin skin which is kept on when boiled, and an almost buttery taste which few other varieties can match. Harvest potatoes early to enjoy ‘baby’ new potatoes that are perfect for salads.
International Kidney potatoes can also be left in the ground for an extra month or two in order to bulk up to a floury maincrop potato which is not as good for boiling but is excellent for roasting, chips and wedges.
Plant International Kidney Main Crop potato tubers outside between March and April, 10cm deep and 20cm apart in a line, making sure to leave at least 30cm between lines to allow growing space.
Prior to planting, Seed Potatoes should go through the process of ‘chitting’. This process involves leaving the potatoes on a cool, bright windowsill for 4-6 weeks in order to encourage sprouts and prepare the tubers for going into the ground.
After planting, draw up soil around the new shoots to protect them from frost damage and prolong the growing time. ‘Earthing up’ in this way also protects developing potatoes from sunlight which can cause them to turn green and poisonous. Keep potatoes well watered during warm weather.
Main Crop Seed Potatoes require a longer growing time in the ground and would benefit from an added fertiliser during the Summer months.
When ready to harvest, approximately 16-22 weeks after planting, cut back 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.
