FIRST EARLIERS DUKE OF YORK*

First Earlies Duke of York Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

Duke of York seed potatoes are a classic and much-loved first early variety, known for their smooth, waxy texture and delicious flavor. Perfect for boiling, mashing, and roasting, this heritage potato offers a fantastic start to the growing season with a reliable yield and outstanding taste. Ideal for both novice gardeners and seasoned growers, this guide will help you achieve the best results from planting to harvest.

Key Features of Duke of York Seed Potatoes

• Harvest Time: Ready to harvest in approximately 10–12 weeks from planting.
• Height: Plants grow to around 60cm (24 inches).
• Spread: Spreads to about 30–45cm (12–18 inches).
• Yield: High yield of medium-sized, oval-shaped potatoes with pale yellow flesh and smooth skin.
• Taste: Renowned for its superb flavor, making it a kitchen favorite.

How to Plant Duke of York Seed Potatoes

Chitting

Before planting, chit your seed potatoes to encourage strong shoots:

1. Place the seed potatoes in a cool, bright, and frost-free space, with the rose end (the end with the most eyes) facing upward.
2. Allow them to develop short, sturdy sprouts about 2–3cm long before planting.

Planting Site and Soil Preparation

• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Dig the planting area and incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil.
• Avoid waterlogged areas, as potatoes thrive in moist but not overly wet conditions.

Planting Steps

1. Plant seed potatoes in early spring once the soil has warmed (March to April).
2. Space them 30cm (12 inches) apart in rows that are 60cm (24 inches) apart.
3. Plant them 10–15cm (4–6 inches) deep, with the sprouts facing upward.
4. Cover with soil and water lightly to settle the tubers.

Maintenance Tips for Duke of York Seed Potatoes

Watering

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as this can cause rot.
• Increase watering when the plants begin to flower, as this is when the tubers are forming.

Earthing Up

• As shoots emerge, earth up the soil around the base of the plant to cover the lower stems.
• Repeat this process as the plant grows, forming a ridge around the plant. This protects tubers from sunlight and prevents them from turning green.

Feeding

• Apply a balanced potato fertilizer or general-purpose feed during planting and mid-season for optimal growth.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage and reduced yields.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch out for slugs and aphids. Use organic slug deterrents and encourage beneficial insects.
• Diseases: Duke of York is generally disease-resistant but may be susceptible to blight. Practice crop rotation to minimize risk and plant blight-resistant varieties nearby if necessary.

Harvesting and Storing Duke of York Potatoes

Harvesting

• Harvest when the flowers fade, and the foliage begins to yellow.
• Carefully lift the plants with a fork or spade, avoiding damage to the tubers.

Storing

• Allow the potatoes to dry in a cool, airy place for a few hours.
• Store in a dark, frost-free location in hessian sacks or breathable containers to prevent sprouting.

Why Choose Duke of York Seed Potatoes?

Excellent Culinary Qualities

• Their waxy texture and rich flavor make them versatile for boiling, mashing, or roasting.

Early Harvest

• Enjoy freshly harvested potatoes early in the growing season.

Reliable and Productive

• With their robust growth and high yields, Duke of York is a dependable choice for gardeners.

Gardening Tips and Companion Plants

• Plant alongside companion crops such as beans, marigolds, or nasturtiums to deter pests.
• Rotate potato crops annually to maintain soil health and minimize disease risks.

Bring the delicious and rewarding Duke of York seed potatoes to your garden this season. Perfect for small spaces, raised beds, or traditional allotments, they’re a must-have for early-season gardening success! Visit our garden center today to start your potato-growing journey

• Size
  2kg

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.