British Queens - Second Early Seed Potatoes - 5kg

British Queens are a 'Second Early' seed potato. This hugely popular variety is prized for it's very floury texture and it's reliable large yields at harvest.

Second Early British Queen Seed Potatoes – Planting & Care Guide

The British Queen potato is a highly sought-after second early variety, celebrated for its fluffy texture, creamy flavour, and versatility in the kitchen. This variety has been a staple in British and Irish gardens since 1894, offering high yields and reliable performance.

With its delicate skin, excellent boiling qualities, and resistance to common diseases, British Queen potatoes are an ideal choice for home growers looking for a high-quality crop.

Key Features of British Queen Seed Potatoes

• Height: Grows up to 60cm (24 inches)
• Spread: Reaches approximately 30cm (12 inches)
• Harvest Time: July to August (12-14 weeks after planting)
• Skin Colour: Creamy-white
• Flesh Colour: White, floury texture
• Cooking Uses: Perfect for boiling, roasting, mashing, and baking
• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can store for several weeks
• Yield: High-yielding, with medium to large tubers

How to Plant British Queen Potatoes

Choosing the Right Location

• Prefers a sunny, sheltered spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Thrives in light, fertile, well-drained soil with good aeration.
• Avoid planting where potatoes, tomatoes, or peppers have been grown in the last two years to reduce disease risk.

Soil Preparation

• Ideal pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 - 7.0).
• Enrich soil with well-rotted manure or compost a few weeks before planting.
• Avoid using fresh manure as it can increase the risk of potato scab.

Chitting (Pre-Sprouting) Before Planting

• Start chitting in February or March.
• Place seed potatoes in an egg carton or seed tray with the rose end (sprouting end) facing up.
• Keep in a cool, bright, and frost-free area for 3-4 weeks until strong green sprouts develop.

Planting Instructions

1. When to Plant:

   • Outdoors: March to April, once the risk of frost has passed.

2. Spacing & Depth:

   • In the ground:
     • Dig trenches 10-15cm (4-6 inches) deep.
     • Space tubers 30cm (12 inches) apart, with rows 60-75cm (24-30 inches) apart.
   • In containers or grow bags:
     • Use 3-5 tubers per 40L container, ensuring at least 20cm (8 inches) of compost below the tubers.

3. Covering & Watering:

   • Lightly cover the tubers with soil and water well.
   • Do not overwater initially to prevent rotting.

Maintenance Tips for British Queen Potatoes

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather, ensuring soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
• Reduce watering once tubers begin forming to prevent cracking or disease.
• Apply a potash-rich feed (such as a tomato fertilizer) every 2-3 weeks for optimal growth.

Earthing Up

• When shoots reach 15cm (6 inches) tall, gently mound soil around the base, leaving the top leaves exposed.
• Repeat every few weeks to protect tubers from light (which turns them green and toxic).

Weeding & Mulching

• Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest & Disease Control

• Blight Resistance: Moderate – avoid overhead watering and ensure good airflow.
• Common Pests:
  • Aphids – Use companion planting with marigolds or introduce ladybirds.
  • Slugs & Snails – Use crushed eggshells, copper tape, or organic slug pellets.
  • Potato Cyst Nematodes – Practice crop rotation annually.
• Disease Prevention:
  • Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
  • Avoid planting in waterlogged soil to prevent tuber rot.

Harvesting & Storing

• When to Harvest:

  • Ready to harvest July to August, about 12-14 weeks after planting.
  • For larger tubers, wait an extra 2 weeks before lifting.

• How to Harvest:

  • Use a garden fork to lift potatoes carefully, avoiding damage.
  • Let them dry on the soil for a few hours before storing.

• Storing Tips:

  • Store in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place.
  • Use hessian sacks or paper bags to allow airflow.
  • Avoid storing in plastic bags, as this traps moisture and causes rot.

Why Grow British Queen Potatoes?

British Queen potatoes are a classic, second early variety that is easy to grow and delivers consistently high yields. They are perfect for gardeners looking for a reliable, floury-textured potato with exceptional flavour.

Benefits of Growing British Queen Potatoes

✔ Fast-Growing – Ready to harvest in 12-14 weeks.
✔ Great Flavour & Texture – Light, floury, and delicious.
✔ Versatile Cooking – Ideal for boiling, roasting, and mashing.
✔ Moderate Disease Resistance – More resistant to common potato issues than some varieties.
✔ High Yields – Produces plenty of medium-sized tubers

• 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
 

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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.
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