SECOND EARLIERS CHARLOTTE

Second Earlies Charlotte Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

Charlotte is one of the most popular second early potato varieties, cherished for its smooth, waxy texture and excellent flavor. Perfect for salads and versatile in the kitchen, Charlotte potatoes are a staple for any gardener looking for a reliable and delicious crop. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Key Features of Charlotte Seed Potatoes

• Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
• Height: Grows to approximately 60–70cm (24–28 inches).
• Spread: Approximately 40–50cm (16–20 inches).
• Appearance: Smooth, light yellow skin with creamy, waxy flesh.
• Taste: Delicate, nutty flavor, perfect for salads and steaming.
• Storage: Keeps well after harvesting for extended enjoyment.

How to Plant Charlotte Seed Potatoes

Preparing for Planting

1. Chitting: Begin by chitting your seed potatoes. Place them in a bright, frost-free area with the rose end (most eyes) facing upward. Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3cm (1 inch) before planting.
2. Site Selection: Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-draining soil.

Planting Steps

1. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with organic matter like well-rotted compost or manure. Ensure the area is weed-free and well-tilled.
2. Planting Time: Plant from March to late April, depending on local frost conditions.
3. Spacing:
   • Space tubers 30–35cm (12–14 inches) apart in rows.
   • Keep 60cm (24 inches) between rows to allow for growth and maintenance.
4. Planting Depth: Dig trenches 10–15cm (4–6 inches) deep and place the tubers with sprouts facing upward. Cover with soil.

Maintenance Tips for Charlotte Potatoes

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
• Water more frequently during dry periods, especially as the plants flower, as this is when tubers are forming.

Earthing Up

• Once shoots reach 15–20cm (6–8 inches) in height, mound soil around the base of the plants.
• Repeat this process regularly to protect developing tubers from light exposure, which can cause greening.

Feeding

• Use a balanced potato fertilizer at planting and apply additional feeding during the growing season to support tuber development.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Be alert for slugs, aphids, and potato beetles. Use organic deterrents like copper tape or introduce natural predators.
• Diseases: Rotate your potato crop annually to reduce the risk of blight and other soil-borne diseases. Ensure good airflow around the plants to prevent fungal infections.

Harvesting and Storing Charlotte Potatoes

When to Harvest

• Charlotte potatoes are ready for harvest approximately 12–14 weeks after planting.
• Wait until the flowers appear and the foliage starts to yellow and die back.

How to Harvest

• Carefully dig around the plant with a fork, lifting the tubers without damaging them.

Storage Tips

• Allow the harvested potatoes to dry for a few hours in a cool, shaded area.
• Store in a dark, well-ventilated space, such as a hessian sack, to prevent sprouting and extend freshness.

Why Grow Charlotte Seed Potatoes?

Culinary Excellence

• Charlotte is renowned for its waxy texture, making it ideal for boiling, steaming, and salads. The nutty, buttery flavor enhances any dish.

Reliable and High Yield

• Charlotte potatoes are reliable producers, offering generous yields with minimal effort.

Versatility in the Garden

• Their compact growth makes them suitable for small gardens or container growing, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy fresh homegrown potatoes.

Companion Planting and Additional Tips

• Companion Plants: Pair with marigolds or nasturtiums to deter pests.
• Crop Rotation: Rotate your potato crops to maintain healthy soil and reduce the risk of disease.
• Container Growing: If space is limited, Charlotte potatoes thrive in large containers or potato bags, provided they receive adequate sunlight and water.

Bring delicious, versatile Charlotte potatoes to your garden this season. Visit our garden center today and start growing this customer favorite with ease!

• 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.
 

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