{"product_id":"wilja-christmas-harvest-summer-planting-seed-potatoes-pack-of-9","title":"'Wilja' Christmas Harvest, Summer Planting Seed Potatoes (Pack of 10)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Wilja' Seed Potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e are a versatile and delicious variety that is perfect for both home gardeners and commercial growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilja seed potatoes are a second early variety that are known for their tasty, earthy flavour and medium-dry texture. They produce oval tubers with creamy yellow flesh that holds their shape well when cooked. Wilja potatoes are a good all-rounder, and can be used for boiling, roasting, mashing, or chipping. They are also a good choice for storage, as they can be kept for several months after harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to plant, care for and harvest Christmas Potatoes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant these potatoes as soon as possible after purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eContainers or Potato Bags\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf planting into containers or potato bags use a good quality multi-purpose compost. Place approximately 10cm \/ 4\" of dampened compost into the base and evenly space 3 tubers on top. Cover with another 10cm \/ 4\" of compost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater sparingly at first and monitor carefully, keeping the compost moist at all times but not allowing it to become waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the plants reach approximately 10cm \/ 4\", add more compost. When the plants have grown through this compost, repeat. Continue to do this until the container is full.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContainers or potato bags should be moved to a frost-free area for Christmas harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGround planting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf planting into open ground, dig over the area, remove any weeds, incorporate well-rotted compost if available and add a general fertiliser. Plant 10-13cm \/ 4-5\" deep, 20-23cm \/ 8-9\" apart in a row, and the rows 50cm \/ 20\" apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAutumn can be dry so keep the potatoes well-watered, avoid getting the leaves wet and this can encourage blight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the plants get to approximately 10cm \/ 4\" carefully draw earth up the sides of the plants; this encourages additional potatoes to grow from the covered stems and excludes light from the tubers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn sheltered gardens with a light soil, piling extra earth over the rows and covering with straw for insulation may be sufficient protection from frost to store the potatoes in the ground until Christmas. In cold areas, or where the soil is wet and heavy, it is better to lift the potatoes by the end of October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotatoes should be ready in approximately 12 weeks, or after flowering. Harvest only as required, the remainder can be left in situ for up to a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContents: 10 Seed Potatoes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting period: Late July 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: November, December, January\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":56082308399429,"sku":"1173349","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0925\/7458\/1061\/files\/854e76da-wilja-christmas-harvest-summer-planting-seed-potatoes-pack-of-10.webp?v=1761657610","url":"https:\/\/www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk\/products\/wilja-christmas-harvest-summer-planting-seed-potatoes-pack-of-9","provider":"Gates Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}