{"product_id":"desiree-main-crop-seed-potatoes-pack-of-9","title":"'Desiree' Christmas Harvest Summer Planting Seed Potatoes (Pack of 10)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA gardeners' favourite, a \u003cstrong\u003epack of 10 'Desiree' Main Crop Seed Potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e grows high yielding and delicious tasting red skinned tubers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Desiree' Main Crop Seed Potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e are a high yielding variety of seed potato that have a firm texture and delicious taste when cooked, making them a firm favourite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForming oval red skinned tubers with pale yellow flesh, these potatoes are excellent all-rounders and make great roasted potatoes, wedges, chips and mash, as well as tasty new potatoes to enjoy in time for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are tolerant to drought and show good resistance to potato virus and powdery scab, making them robust and easy to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior 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 to prepare the potato tuber for going in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Main Crop potato tubers, such as 'Desiree', outside from July through to September. Try to plant 10-13cm\/4-5\" deep, making sure to leave around 20-23cm\/ 8-9\" between each tuber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese potatoes can be grown in pots or containers, however, due to the larger size of Main Crop potatoes, we recommend planting them in rows in the garden. Make sure to add ample good quality multi-purpose compost and keep them well-watered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the plants reach a height of around 10-13cm, carefully draw up earth around the sides of the plant to encourage additional growths, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHarvesting Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotatoes should be ready in approximately 16 weeks, or after flowering. Harvest only as required, leaving the remainder in situ for up to a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a Christmas harvest, make sure to move any containers or potato bags to a frost-free area and cover garden potatoes with a layer of insulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContents: 10 Seed Potatoes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting period: Late June to September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting depth: 10-13cm\/4-5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting spacing: 20-23cm\/8-9\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition: Full sun, Partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: Fertile, Well drained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: Protect tubers from frost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvesting period: Main Crop, November to December\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant height: Up to 60cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant spread: Up to 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Taylors Bulbs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56082283921733,"sku":"1107558","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0925\/7458\/1061\/files\/1be1f6ef-taylors-desiree-potatoes-product-image.jpg?v=1761657562","url":"https:\/\/www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk\/products\/desiree-main-crop-seed-potatoes-pack-of-9","provider":"Gates Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}