Acoustic Second Early Seed Potatoes

Acoustic Second Early Seed Potatoes are an excellent all round variety that is highly resistant to stress and extreme weather conditions.

These hardy potatoes grow well in both light sandy soil and heavier clay soils, producing round oval tubers with a good skin and excellent all-round usability. When harvested as a second early they will have a waxy texture that is ideal for salads or boiling. However, they can also be left in the ground for longer and harvested later in the season to produce a more floury consistency that is perfect for chips, baking and mashing.

How to plant

We recommend planting Second Early potato tubers, such as Acoustic, 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.

How to harvest

When ready to harvest, approximately 12-18 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.

Details

• Pack size: Taster pack of 10 tubers, 2kg bag (16-28 tubers)
• Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
• When to chit potatoes: 4-6 weeks before planting
• When to plant: March, April
• When to harvest: June, July, August (12-18 weeks after planting)
• 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