{"product_id":"maris-piper-main-crop-seed-potatoes","title":"Maris Piper Main Crop Seed Potatoes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaris Piper Main Crop Seed Potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e are considered one of the best potatoes for making chips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most widely grown and best known variety of Main Crop potato, this heritage variety is great for beginners to grow and stores well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is high yielding with many cream skinned oval tubers per plant that have a cream-coloured, floury textured flesh. They are wonderful to cook with and are a versatile all-rounder with a delicious, mild flavour. Beyond chips, they can also be used in salads, roasted or baked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety has also received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit due to its excellent consistency and reliable growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend planting Main Crop potato tubers, such as Maris Piper, outside between March and April, 10cm deep and 20cm apart in a line. Leave at least 30cm between lines to allow growing space.\u003c\/p\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 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\u003eWhen ready 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 using in the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePack size: Taster bag of 10 tubers, 2kg bag (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: March, April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen to harvest: July, August, September, October\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting depth: 10cm\/4\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBulb spacing: 20cm\/8\"\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":"2kg","offer_id":56082242863429,"sku":"1013609","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Pack of 10","offer_id":56082242896197,"sku":"1013640","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0925\/7458\/1061\/files\/8457f283-Taylors-Maris-Piper-Seed-Potatoes-2kg-Bag-Product-Image.jpg?v=1761657478","url":"https:\/\/www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk\/products\/maris-piper-main-crop-seed-potatoes","provider":"Gates Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}