FIRST EARLIERS DUKE OF YORK* 5 KG BAG

First Earlies Red Duke of York Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

The Red Duke of York seed potato is a standout variety of first earlies, prized for its vibrant red skin and exceptional flavor. A versatile and reliable choice, these potatoes are perfect for boiling, roasting, or mashing. Whether you’re an experienced grower or new to potato cultivation, this guide will ensure you get the best results from planting to harvest.

Key Features of Red Duke of York Seed Potatoes

• Harvest Time: Ready to harvest 10–12 weeks after planting.
• Height: Plants reach approximately 60cm (24 inches).
• Spread: Spreads to about 30–45cm (12–18 inches).
• Appearance: Red-skinned tubers with creamy, pale yellow flesh and an excellent waxy texture.
• Taste: Renowned for its earthy, rich flavor, ideal for a variety of culinary uses.

How to Plant Red Duke of York Seed Potatoes

Chitting Your Potatoes

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

1. Place the seed potatoes in a cool, bright, and frost-free area.
2. Arrange with the rose end (the end with the most eyes) facing upwards.
3. Allow sturdy green sprouts to grow to about 2–3cm in length before planting.

Choosing the Right Planting Site

• Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
• Location: Select a sunny, sheltered spot for optimal growth. Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent rot.

Planting Steps

1. Plant seed potatoes between March and April when the soil temperature has warmed up.
2. Dig trenches 10–15cm (4–6 inches) deep and space seed potatoes 30cm (12 inches) apart.
3. Space rows 60cm (24 inches) apart to allow sufficient room for growth and earthing up.
4. Cover with soil and water lightly to settle them in.

Maintenance Tips for Red Duke of York Seed Potatoes

Watering

• Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry periods.
• Increase watering when the plants flower, as this is the critical tuber formation stage.

Earthing Up

• As shoots emerge, cover them with soil to form ridges around the base of the plant.
• Repeat this process as the plants grow to protect tubers from sunlight, which can turn them green and inedible.

Feeding

• Use a balanced potato fertilizer at planting and during the growing season.
• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-heavy feeds, as this can result in excessive foliage at the expense of tubers.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for slugs, aphids, and potato beetles. Use organic deterrents and encourage beneficial insects.
• Diseases: Red Duke of York has good resistance to disease but can be susceptible to blight. Rotate crops annually to minimize risk.

Harvesting and Storing Red Duke of York Potatoes

Harvesting

• Harvest when the plants flower and the foliage begins to yellow, approximately 10–12 weeks after planting.
• Use a fork or spade to lift the plants gently, ensuring minimal damage to the tubers.

Storing

• Allow the harvested potatoes to dry for a few hours in a cool, dark, and airy location.
• Store them in hessian sacks or breathable containers in a frost-free environment.

Why Choose Red Duke of York Seed Potatoes?

Outstanding Flavor

• Known for their rich, earthy taste, making them perfect for traditional British dishes.

Early Harvest and Versatility

• Enjoy freshly harvested potatoes early in the season, suitable for boiling, roasting, or mashing.

Robust Growth

• Reliable yields and disease resistance make this variety a popular choice for gardeners.

Companion Planting and Additional Tips

• Pair Red Duke of York potatoes with companion plants like marigolds or nasturtiums to deter pests naturally.
• Practice crop rotation to maintain soil health and prevent disease build-up.

Plant Red Duke of York seed potatoes this season for a reliable, flavorful crop that’s as stunning in appearance as it is delicious. Visit our garden center to pick up your seed potatoes and start your potato-growing adventure today!

• Size
  5kg

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)

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