{"product_id":"desiree-main-crop-seed-potatoes","title":"Desiree Main Crop Seed Potatoes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesiree Main Crop Seed Potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e are a popular variety to grow because of its resistance to drought, numerous tubers and early bulking capabilities. It is a kitchen essential as it can be used in a wide range of dishes, with its large, long oval tubers, red skins and floury, light-yellow flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA late cropping potato, Desiree Seed Potatoes can be harvested from September to October. They are a great all rounder but are especially perfect for creamy tasting mash that has a unique taste. They are perfect for growing in poor, heavy and clay-like soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Main Crop potato tubers, such as Desiree, outside between March and April, 10-15cm deep and 20-30cm apart in a line. Leave at least 30cm between lines to allow growing space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMain Crop Seed Potatoes require a much longer growing time in the ground and would benefit from an added fertiliser during the summer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Harvest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted main crop potatoes will be ready to harvest in September and October or approximately 16-22 weeks after they were planted. To harvest, cut back haulms (plant stalks) to ground level before gently lifting the plant up with a garden fork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully remove the potatoes from the plant and wash well before use in the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePack size: Taster pack of 10, 2kg (16-28 tubers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen to plant: April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen to harvest: September, October\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting depth: 10-15cm\/4-6\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBulb spacing: 20-30cm\/8-12\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil type: Moist but well-drained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunlight: Full sun, Partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: Tolerant of low temperatures but will not survive being frozen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Taylors Bulbs","offers":[{"title":"Pack of 10","offer_id":56082243748165,"sku":"1013636","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"2kg","offer_id":56082243780933,"sku":"1013601","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0925\/7458\/1061\/files\/3aa3dd82-Taylors-Desiree-Seed-Potatoes-2kg-bag-product-image.jpg?v=1761657478","url":"https:\/\/www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk\/products\/desiree-main-crop-seed-potatoes","provider":"Gates Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}