First Early Duke of York Seed Potatoes – Planting & Care Guide

First introduced in 1891, Duke of York is a heritage first early potato variety loved for its superb flavour and smooth, waxy texture. When freshly harvested, these potatoes are creamy and firm, perfect for boiling, mashing, roasting, or steaming. If left to mature, they develop a floury texture, making them ideal for baking.

This variety is known for its fast growth, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for an early potato harvest. It performs well in containers, grow bags, and traditional garden beds.

Key Features of Duke of York Seed Potatoes

• Height: Grows up to 50cm (20 inches)
• Spread: Reaches approximately 30cm (12 inches)
• Harvest Time: June to July (10-12 weeks after planting)
• Skin Colour: Pale yellow with a smooth texture
• Flesh Colour: Creamy yellow
• Cooking Uses: Excellent for boiling, roasting, and mashing
• Storage: Best eaten fresh but can store for a short period

How to Plant Duke of York Potatoes

Choosing the Right Location

• Prefers a sunny position with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Requires well-drained, fertile soil for the best results.
• Avoid planting in soil that previously grew potatoes, tomatoes, or other nightshade family plants in the past two years to reduce disease risks.

Soil Preparation

• Best pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 - 7.0).
• Improve drainage and fertility by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• Avoid using fresh manure, as it can encourage diseases like scab.

Chitting (Pre-Sprouting) Before Planting

• Start chitting in late January to early March.
• Place seed potatoes in egg cartons or a seed tray with the rose end (the end with the most eyes) facing up.
• Keep in a cool, bright, and frost-free location for 2-4 weeks until strong green sprouts appear.

Planting Instructions

1. When to Plant:

   • Plant outdoors from mid-March to early April, depending on the weather.

2. Spacing & Depth:

   • In garden beds: Dig trenches 10cm (4 inches) deep, spacing tubers 30cm (12 inches) apart, with rows 60cm (24 inches) apart.
   • In containers or grow bags: Use 3-5 tubers per bag, ensuring at least 15cm (6 inches) of compost underneath.

3. Covering & Watering:

   • Cover tubers with soil and water lightly to help them settle.
   • Avoid overwatering early on to prevent rot.

Maintenance Tips for Duke of York Potatoes

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
• Avoid overwatering once tubers have formed to prevent rot.
• Apply a potash-rich fertilizer (e.g., tomato feed) every 2-3 weeks to encourage strong growth.

Earthing Up

• When shoots reach 15cm (6 inches) tall, gently mound soil around the base, covering all but the top few leaves.
• Repeat this every 2-3 weeks to protect developing tubers from sunlight (which can turn them green and toxic).

Weeding & Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds, as they compete for nutrients and water.
• Mulching around plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest & Disease Control

• Blight Resistance: Moderate – avoid planting near other potatoes/tomatoes.
• Common Pests:
  • Aphids – Spray with soapy water or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.
  • Slugs – Use organic slug deterrents like crushed eggshells or copper tape.
• Disease Prevention:
  • Rotate crops yearly to prevent potato scab and blight.
  • Ensure good airflow to reduce fungal infections.

Harvesting & Storing

• When to Harvest:

  • First earlies are ready 10-12 weeks after planting (June - July).
  • Harvest when plants flower, and the foliage starts to yellow.

• How to Harvest:

  • Gently lift potatoes using a garden fork or hand tools to avoid damaging the tubers.

• Storing Tips:

  • Eat fresh for the best flavour.
  • If storing, place in paper bags or hessian sacks in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a few weeks.

Why Grow Duke of York Potatoes?

Duke of York potatoes are a heritage favourite, producing high-quality, delicious tubers that are easy to grow. Their versatility makes them perfect for any home garden, whether grown in raised beds, containers, or traditional garden plots.

Benefits of Growing Duke of York

✔ Fast Growing – Ready to harvest in just 10-12 weeks.
✔ Excellent Flavour – Rich, buttery taste with a creamy texture.
✔ Ideal for Small Spaces – Thrives in containers and grow bags.
✔ Great Cooking Variety – Perfect for boiling, roasting, and mashing.
✔ Reliable Yields – Produces consistent crops, even in cooler climates

• Size
  2kg

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