SECOND EARLIERS MARIS PEER

Second Earlies Maris Peer Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

Maris Peer is a versatile and reliable second early potato variety, highly sought after for its consistent yields and excellent taste. Perfect for salads, boiling, and steaming, this potato variety is a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike. This guide will provide all the details needed to plant, care for, and harvest Maris Peer potatoes for an abundant crop.

Key Features of Maris Peer Seed Potatoes

• Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
• Height: Approximately 60–70cm (24–28 inches).
• Spread: Approximately 30–40cm (12–16 inches).
• Appearance: Smooth, pale skin with creamy flesh.
• Taste: A rich and buttery flavor, ideal for a wide range of culinary uses.
• Resistance: High resistance to common potato diseases, such as blight and scab.

How to Plant Maris Peer Seed Potatoes

Preparing for Planting

1. Chitting: Start chitting your seed potatoes 4–6 weeks before planting. Place them in a cool, bright space with the eyes facing up, allowing sprouts to grow to about 2cm (0.8 inches).
2. Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Planting Steps

1. Soil Preparation: Improve soil with organic matter such as well-rotted compost or manure. Ensure the area is weed-free and well-drained.
2. Planting Time: Plant from late March to early April, depending on frost risk.
3. Spacing:
   • Place tubers 30cm (12 inches) apart in rows.
   • Maintain 60cm (24 inches) between rows for easy access and airflow.
4. Planting Depth: Dig trenches or individual holes 10–15cm (4–6 inches) deep. Place seed potatoes with sprouts facing up and cover with soil.

Maintenance Tips for Maris Peer Potatoes

Watering

• Water thoroughly and consistently, especially during dry spells.
• Focus on watering when flowers appear, as this is when tubers are forming. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to rot.

Earthing Up

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

Feeding

• Use a balanced potato fertilizer at planting and midway through the growing season to support healthy tuber development.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Watch for slugs, aphids, and potato beetles. Use organic deterrents like copper tape and encourage natural predators like ladybirds.
• Diseases: Rotate potato crops annually to reduce the risk of blight and other soil-borne diseases. Ensure good airflow around the plants to minimize fungal infections.

Harvesting and Storing Maris Peer Potatoes

When to Harvest

• Maris Peer potatoes are ready for harvest around 12–14 weeks after planting.
• Harvest when the plants begin to flower, and the foliage starts to yellow and die back.

How to Harvest

• Use a fork or spade to carefully lift the plants and reveal the tubers. Be cautious to avoid damaging the potatoes.

Storage Tips

• Allow harvested potatoes to dry for a few hours in a cool, shaded area before storing.
• Store in a dark, ventilated space like hessian sacks to prevent sprouting and extend freshness.

Why Grow Maris Peer Seed Potatoes?

Culinary Excellence

• Maris Peer is known for its delicious flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Its waxy texture makes it ideal for boiling, steaming, and salads.

Reliable Yields

• This variety consistently produces high yields with minimal maintenance, making it perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Compact and Space-Saving

• The relatively compact size of Maris Peer plants makes them suitable for small gardens or container growing.

Companion Planting and Additional Tips

• Companion Plants: Pair with marigolds to deter pests and improve soil health.
• Crop Rotation: Rotate crops yearly to maintain soil fertility and prevent disease buildup.
• Container Growing: If garden space is limited, Maris Peer performs well in large containers or potato bags. Ensure containers have good drainage and are filled with nutrient-rich soil.

Grow Maris Peer potatoes for a reliable, flavorful addition to your garden. Their easy maintenance and culinary versatility make them a top choice for gardeners of all skill levels! Visit our garden center to pick up your seed potatoes and start planting today.

• 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.
 

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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