FIRST EARLIERS SHARPES EXPRESS* 5 KG BAG

Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

Sharpes Express is a popular first early potato variety that is loved by gardeners for its fast-growing nature and high yields. Perfect for early summer harvesting, Sharpes Express produces waxy, smooth-skinned potatoes that are ideal for boiling, steaming, and preparing delicious potato salads. This variety is a great choice for those looking to enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes as early as possible in the season.

Why Choose Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes?

Sharpes Express seed potatoes are a fantastic option for gardeners who want early-season potatoes with an excellent flavor and texture. Known for its quick growth, this first early variety will reward you with a delicious harvest in no time. Ideal for both seasoned gardeners and beginners, it is easy to grow and produces high-quality potatoes that hold up well in cooking.

• Harvest Time: Around 12-14 weeks after planting.
• Height: Typically grows up to 40-50cm (16-20 inches).
• Spread: Can spread to around 30-40cm (12-16 inches).
• Texture: Waxy with a firm, smooth skin.
• Storage: Best eaten fresh but can store for a short period in cool conditions.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent for boiling, steaming, and making potato salads.

How to Plant Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes

Planting Sharpes Express seed potatoes is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a successful crop:

Pre-Planting Preparation

1. Chitting: Begin by chitting your Sharpes Express seed potatoes 6–8 weeks before planting. Place them in a cool, bright location with the “eyes” facing upward. This encourages sprouting and gives the plants a head start.

2. Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden with rich, fertile soil. Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.

Planting Instructions

1. When to Plant: Sharpes Express seed potatoes should be planted in early spring, ideally between late March and early April, when the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed.

2. Planting Depth and Spacing:

   • Spacing: Space your seed potatoes 25-30cm (10-12 inches) apart in rows to allow for healthy growth.
   • Row Spacing: Space the rows about 60cm (24 inches) apart to ensure ample room for the plants to spread.
   • Planting Depth: Plant the seed potatoes 10-15cm (4-6 inches) deep, with the sprouted eyes facing upwards.

Maintenance Tips for Sharpes Express Potatoes

Watering and Feeding

• Watering: Sharpes Express potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when they are in the flowering and tuber-forming stages. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Aim for watering early in the day to reduce disease risk.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer or potato-specific feed once your plants have sprouted. During the growing season, apply a high-potassium fertilizer to encourage tuber formation and enhance potato quality.

Earthing Up and Mulching

• Earthing Up: As the plants grow, mound soil around the base to protect the developing tubers from sunlight. This will help prevent the potatoes from turning green and becoming toxic. Repeat this process as the plants continue to grow.

• Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch around the plants, such as straw or grass clippings, to help retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and protect the soil.

Pest and Disease Control

• Blight and Pests: Sharpes Express is somewhat resistant to blight, but it's still important to monitor the plants regularly for signs of disease or pest damage. Remove any infected leaves or tubers promptly to reduce the spread of disease.

• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds from around your potatoes to ensure they don’t compete for nutrients and water. Be gentle when weeding around the plants to avoid damaging the roots.

Harvesting and Storing Sharpes Express Potatoes

When to Harvest

• Sharpes Express potatoes are typically ready to harvest about 12-14 weeks after planting, once the plants begin to flower, and the leaves start to yellow.

• The best time to harvest is when the foliage has started to die back, but the skins on the potatoes are still firm.

How to Harvest

• Carefully dig up the tubers using a fork or spade. Be cautious to avoid bruising or damaging the potatoes.

• Allow the potatoes to dry for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dry place. This helps to harden the skins and increase their storage longevity.

Storing Sharpes Express Potatoes

• Although Sharpes Express potatoes are best eaten fresh, they can be stored for a short period in cool, dark conditions. Keep them in a well-ventilated container, such as a mesh bag, to allow airflow and prevent rotting.

Why Grow Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes?

Sharpes Express is a must-have variety for any gardener looking for early potatoes with excellent flavor and texture. Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-grow variety will provide you with a rewarding and delicious harvest in no time.

• Fast Growing: Ideal for those who want fresh potatoes early in the season.
• High Yield: Produces large quantities of high-quality potatoes.
• Great for Cooking: Versatile for various culinary uses, especially for boiling and salads.

Sharpes Express seed potatoes are the perfect addition to your garden for a bountiful early harvest. By following these easy care tips, you'll enjoy a successful crop that’s both tasty and satisfying.

• 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.
 

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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.
 

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