SECOND EARLIERS BRITISH QUEEN

Second Earlies British Queen Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

British Queen is a beloved second early potato variety with a rich heritage dating back to 1894. Known for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and high yields, it’s an ideal choice for boiling, mashing, or roasting. This planting guide provides everything you need to grow this exceptional variety successfully.

Key Features of British Queen Seed Potatoes

• Harvest Time: Approximately 13–15 weeks after planting.
• Height: Grows to around 60–80cm (24–32 inches).
• Spread: Approximately 40–50cm (16–20 inches).
• Appearance: Pale cream skin with snowy white flesh.
• Taste: Renowned for its floury texture and rich, buttery flavor.
• Heritage Variety: A classic choice for gardeners who value both flavor and tradition.

How to Plant British Queen Seed Potatoes

Chitting Your Seed Potatoes

• Place the seed potatoes in a cool, bright, and frost-free environment.
• Position the rose end (the end with the most eyes) upwards to allow for sprouting.
• Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3cm (1 inch) before planting, typically over 4–6 weeks.

Site and Soil Preparation

• Location: Choose a sunny, sheltered spot for planting.
• Soil: Well-drained and fertile soil is essential. Prepare the ground by adding well-rotted manure or compost.

Planting Steps

1. Timing: Plant British Queen potatoes from mid-March to early May, depending on local climate conditions.
2. Spacing:
   • Space tubers 35–40cm (14–16 inches) apart in rows.
   • Maintain 60cm (24 inches) between rows for easy access.
3. Depth: Plant seed potatoes 10–15cm (4–6 inches) deep in prepared trenches. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

Maintenance Tips for British Queen Potatoes

Watering

• Ensure consistent watering during dry periods, especially when the plants flower, as this is when tubers are developing.
• Avoid waterlogging, as excess moisture can cause rotting.

Earthing Up

• As the shoots emerge, draw soil around the base of the plants to create protective ridges.
• Repeat the process as the plants grow, ensuring tubers remain covered to prevent greening and exposure to sunlight.

Feeding

• Apply a balanced potato fertilizer at planting time.
• Supplement with additional feeding during the growing season to boost tuber development.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Be vigilant for slugs, aphids, and potato beetles. Use organic deterrents or companion planting with marigolds.
• Diseases: Practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of blight and other soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting and Storing British Queen Potatoes

Harvesting

• British Queen potatoes are ready for harvest when the foliage begins to yellow and die back. This is typically 13–15 weeks after planting.
• Use a garden fork to carefully lift the plants and tubers, avoiding damage.

Storing

• Allow harvested tubers to dry in a cool, shaded area for a few hours.
• Store in a dark, frost-free environment in breathable hessian sacks or containers.

Why Grow British Queen Potatoes?

Culinary Excellence

• British Queen is renowned for its distinctive floury texture, making it perfect for creating light, fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy roasties, or creamy soups.

Reliable Yields

• Producing high yields with minimal effort, British Queen is ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.

Heritage Value

• Growing British Queen potatoes connects you with over a century of gardening tradition, offering a taste of history in every bite.

Companion Planting and Additional Tips

• Companion Plants: Plant with marigolds or nasturtiums to deter pests naturally.
• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting potatoes in the same area for consecutive years to maintain soil health and reduce disease risk.

Visit our garden center today to pick up British Queen seed potatoes and start growing your own delicious, heritage variety that’s perfect for home cooking!

• 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
 

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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.
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