Best Maincrop Potato Varieties UK: Growing and Storage Guide

Growing your own potatoes is one of the most satisfying experiences you can enjoy on a garden or allotment. There’s something wonderful about planting a seed potato in spring, watching the plants develop throughout summer and eventually lifting a crop of fresh potatoes from the soil.

While first early potatoes are popular for their delicious new potato flavour, maincrop potatoes are particularly valuable for gardeners who want a substantial harvest that can be stored and enjoyed throughout autumn and winter.

Maincrop potatoes generally take longer to mature than early varieties, but they often produce larger yields and are particularly useful for roasting, mashing, baking and making chips.

Choosing the right variety can make an enormous difference.

Some maincrop potatoes are wonderfully fluffy when roasted, while others hold their shape better when boiled. Certain varieties offer useful disease resistance, and others are particularly well suited to long-term storage.

Here at Gardening with Ben, growing potatoes has always been one of the great pleasures of allotment gardening. Whether they’re grown in traditional vegetable beds or large containers, potatoes are a fantastic crop for gardeners of all experience levels.

In this complete UK guide, we’ll explore the best maincrop potato varieties, when to plant them, how to care for them, harvesting times, storage methods and the most common problems you might encounter.

What Are Maincrop Potatoes?

Maincrop potatoes are varieties grown for a longer period than first early and second early potatoes.

They are usually planted during spring and harvested from late summer into autumn.

Because they have more time to develop, maincrop varieties often produce larger crops and are particularly suitable for storage.

However, the exact growing period varies depending on the variety, weather and planting conditions.

Maincrop Potato Growing Facts

Feature	Details
Crop	Maincrop potatoes
Botanical name	Solanum tuberosum
Planting period	Usually April–May
Harvesting period	Usually August–October
Typical growing period	Approximately 18–22 weeks
Preferred position	Full sun
Soil	Fertile, well-drained soil
Planting depth	Approximately 10–15cm
Plant spacing	Approximately 35–45cm
Row spacing	Approximately 70–75cm
Main uses	Roasting, baking, mashing, chips and storage

These timings and spacings are general guidelines. Always check the recommendations for your chosen variety.

What Is the Difference Between First Early, Second Early and Maincrop Potatoes?

Potatoes are commonly grouped according to their approximate time to maturity.

First Early Potatoes

First early potatoes are usually planted in early spring and harvested during late spring or early summer.

They are often enjoyed as new potatoes.

Examples include:

• Rocket
• Swift
• Arran Pilot

Second Early Potatoes

Second early potatoes generally take longer to mature than first earlies.

They are commonly harvested during summer.

Examples include:

• Charlotte
• Kestrel
• Maris Peer

Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes remain in the ground for longer and are usually harvested from late summer onwards.

They are particularly useful for producing larger crops suitable for storage.

Examples include:

• Maris Piper
• King Edward
• Cara
• Desiree
• Picasso

Some varieties are sold in different maturity categories by different suppliers, so always check the seed potato label.

Why Grow Maincrop Potatoes?

There are several advantages to growing maincrop potatoes.

Larger Harvests

Maincrop potatoes often produce substantial yields when given suitable growing conditions.

Excellent Cooking Qualities

Many popular roasting, baking and mashing varieties are maincrop potatoes.

Winter Storage

Properly matured and cured maincrop potatoes can often be stored for several months.

Wide Variety Choice

There are many maincrop varieties available, each with different flavours, textures and characteristics.

Useful Allotment Crop

Potatoes can make productive use of a vegetable bed during the main growing season.

However, they still require appropriate soil preparation, watering and disease management.

1. Maris Piper Potatoes

Maris Piper is one of the best-known potato varieties in the UK.

It is particularly popular for its floury texture and excellent cooking qualities.

Why Grow Maris Piper?

Maris Piper produces potatoes with a pale skin and creamy flesh.

When cooked correctly, the flesh becomes light and fluffy.

Best Uses

Maris Piper is excellent for:

• Roast potatoes
• Chips
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potatoes

Growing Maris Piper

Plant certified seed potatoes during spring once soil conditions are suitable.

Provide fertile, well-drained soil and adequate moisture during tuber development.

Maris Piper can be susceptible to certain diseases, so monitor plants carefully.

Harvesting

Harvest once the crop has matured and the skins are sufficiently set for storage.

Storage

Healthy, properly cured potatoes can be stored in cool, dark, well-ventilated conditions.

2. King Edward Potatoes

King Edward is a traditional British potato variety valued for its excellent roasting qualities.

The tubers have creamy skins with distinctive pink markings around the eyes.

Why Grow King Edward?

King Edward potatoes develop a fluffy texture when cooked.

They are particularly good for traditional roast dinners.

Best Uses

• Roast potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potatoes

Growing King Edward

Provide a sunny position and fertile, well-drained soil.

Maintain suitable moisture during active growth.

King Edward can be vulnerable to some diseases, so healthy planting material and crop rotation are important.

Harvesting

Harvest during late summer or autumn when the tubers have matured.

3. Cara Potatoes

Cara is a popular maincrop variety often chosen for its productivity and useful disease-resistance characteristics.

The tubers generally have pale skins with pink eyes.

Why Grow Cara?

Cara is valued for producing good-sized potatoes and can perform well under suitable growing conditions.

Best Uses

• Baking
• Roasting
• Boiling
• General cooking

Growing Cara

Cara benefits from fertile soil and consistent moisture.

Although it has resistance to certain potato problems, no variety is resistant to every disease.

Always check current variety-specific resistance information.

Storage

Cara can be suitable for storage when harvested and cured correctly.

4. Desiree Potatoes

Desiree is a familiar red-skinned potato variety.

It produces attractive tubers with pale yellow flesh.

Why Grow Desiree?

Desiree is a versatile potato with good flavour and useful cooking qualities.

Best Uses

• Mashing
• Roasting
• Baking
• General cooking

Growing Desiree

Plant during spring in suitable soil.

Maintain moisture during tuber development.

Harvesting

Harvest once the crop has reached maturity and the skins have set.

5. Picasso Potatoes

Picasso is another popular maincrop potato variety.

Its tubers typically have pale skins with pink markings around the eyes.

Why Grow Picasso?

Picasso can produce large, attractive potatoes.

It is commonly used for general kitchen purposes.

Best Uses

• Baking
• Boiling
• Roasting
• Mashing, depending on preference

Growing Picasso

Provide a sunny position and suitable soil fertility.

Monitor plants for pests and diseases.

6. Sarpo Mira Potatoes

Sarpo Mira is particularly interesting for gardeners concerned about late blight.

It was developed for strong resistance to potato late blight.

Why Grow Sarpo Mira?

Late blight can be a serious problem in wet British summers.

Sarpo Mira offers useful resistance, although disease performance can vary with conditions and evolving pathogen populations.

Best Uses

Sarpo Mira is a floury potato suitable for several cooking methods.

Some gardeners prefer using it for roasting, baking or mashing.

Growing Sarpo Mira

Sarpo Mira can produce vigorous plants.

Allow suitable spacing and provide adequate support for soil fertility and moisture.

Harvesting

It is generally a late-maturing crop.

Allow sufficient time for tubers to develop.

7. Golden Wonder Potatoes

Golden Wonder is a traditional floury potato variety.

It is particularly well known for its dry texture and strong potato flavour.

Why Grow Golden Wonder?

Golden Wonder is valued by gardeners who enjoy floury potatoes.

Best Uses

• Roasting
• Baking
• Chips

Growing Golden Wonder

Provide suitable soil and moisture.

Like other potatoes, it requires monitoring for disease.

Storage

Mature, healthy tubers can be suitable for storage when handled correctly.

8. Pink Fir Apple Potatoes

Pink Fir Apple is an unusual heritage potato variety.

It produces long, irregularly shaped tubers with pink skins.

Although often described as a late maincrop, it differs considerably from conventional large roasting potatoes.

Why Grow Pink Fir Apple?

Its distinctive shape and waxy texture make it popular with gardeners looking for something different.

Best Uses

• Boiling
• Potato salads
• Roasting whole or in pieces

Growing Pink Fir Apple

Allow a long growing season.

The tubers can develop unusual shapes, making harvesting slightly more challenging.

Maincrop Potato Variety Comparison

Variety	Texture	Particularly good for
Maris Piper	Floury	Roasting, chips, mash
King Edward	Floury	Roasting, mash
Cara	Moderately floury	Baking, general cooking
Desiree	Moderately floury	Mash, roast, bake
Picasso	General purpose	Baking, boiling
Sarpo Mira	Floury	Baking, roasting
Golden Wonder	Very floury	Roasting, chips
Pink Fir Apple	Waxy	Boiling, salads

Cooking texture can vary with growing conditions, maturity and storage.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Roasting?

Maris Piper and King Edward are among the best choices for traditional British roast potatoes.

Both can produce a fluffy interior and crisp exterior when cooked correctly.

Golden Wonder is another excellent floury variety.

For successful roast potatoes, the cooking method is just as important as the variety.

Parboiling, allowing the potatoes to steam dry and roasting them in properly heated fat or oil can help produce a crisp finish.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Mashing?

Maris Piper and King Edward are excellent choices for mashed potatoes.

Their floury texture allows them to break down easily.

Desiree is another useful option.

Avoid overworking mashed potatoes because excessive mixing can produce a gluey texture.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Baking?

Cara, Maris Piper and King Edward can all make excellent baked potatoes.

Choose large, healthy tubers with sound skins.

Bake until the centres are thoroughly tender.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Storage?

Storage quality depends on variety, maturity, growing conditions and how the crop is handled after harvesting.

Cara and several other maincrop varieties are commonly chosen for storage.

However, even a variety with good storage potential will deteriorate if potatoes are damaged, wet or kept in unsuitable conditions.

When to Plant Maincrop Potatoes in the UK

Maincrop potatoes are generally planted during April and May.

The exact date depends on weather and soil conditions.

Planting in April

April is a popular month for planting maincrop potatoes.

Wait until the soil is workable and has begun warming.

Planting in May

May planting is also possible.

However, planting later can reduce the time available for tubers to develop before autumn.

Should You Plant Potatoes in March?

Some gardeners plant maincrop potatoes during late March in favourable conditions.

However, young shoots may require protection from frost.

In colder regions, waiting until April can be more reliable.

Should You Chit Maincrop Potatoes?

Chitting means encouraging seed potatoes to produce short shoots before planting.

It’s particularly common with first early potatoes.

Maincrop potatoes can also be chitted, although it is not essential.

How to Chit Potatoes

1. Place certified seed potatoes in a shallow tray.
2. Position them in a cool, bright, frost-free location.
3. Allow short, sturdy shoots to develop.
4. Avoid allowing long, fragile shoots to form.
5. Plant when soil conditions are suitable.

Chitting may help some potatoes establish earlier, but its benefits for maincrop yield are less consistent than for early potatoes.

Best Soil for Growing Maincrop Potatoes

Potatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained soil.

They prefer a reasonably loose structure that allows tubers to develop.

Soil Preparation

Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil where necessary.

Incorporate suitable well-rotted organic matter if the soil needs improvement.

Soil pH

Potatoes generally perform well in slightly acidic soil.

A pH of approximately 5.0–6.0 can help reduce the risk of common scab compared with more alkaline conditions.

However, avoid making major soil amendments without testing.

Avoid Fresh Lime

Applying lime immediately before growing potatoes can increase the risk of common scab in some conditions.

How to Plant Maincrop Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Growing Area

Choose a sunny position with suitable drainage.

Remove weeds and prepare the soil.

Step 2: Dig Planting Trenches or Holes

Plant seed potatoes approximately 10–15cm deep.

Step 3: Space the Potatoes

Allow approximately 35–45cm between seed potatoes.

Step 4: Space the Rows

Leave approximately 70–75cm between rows.

Step 5: Position the Seed Potatoes

Place the seed potatoes carefully into the soil.

If they have shoots, avoid damaging them.

Step 6: Cover with Soil

Cover the potatoes and gently level the surface.

Step 7: Water if Necessary

If the soil is already moist, additional watering may not be required immediately.

How to Earth Up Maincrop Potatoes

Earthing up involves drawing soil around the developing potato stems.

It helps protect developing tubers from exposure to sunlight.

Why Earth Up Potatoes?

Potatoes exposed to light can develop green areas.

Greening indicates light exposure and may be associated with increased glycoalkaloids, including solanine.

When to Earth Up

Begin when shoots are approximately 15–20cm tall.

Draw soil around the stems while leaving some foliage exposed.

Repeat as necessary while plants grow.

Avoid damaging roots and developing tubers.

How Often Should You Water Maincrop Potatoes?

Potatoes require adequate moisture during active growth and tuber development.

Water requirements vary with soil type, rainfall and temperature.

Early Growth

Young plants need sufficient moisture to establish.

Tuber Formation

Consistent moisture is particularly important as tubers begin developing.

During Dry Weather

Water thoroughly when the root zone becomes too dry.

Avoid Waterlogging

Excessive moisture can encourage root problems and tuber rotting.

Before Harvest

As the crop naturally matures, unnecessary watering can be reduced.

Best Fertiliser for Maincrop Potatoes

Potatoes benefit from appropriate nutrient levels.

However, excessive fertiliser can cause problems.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports leafy growth.

Too much nitrogen can encourage excessive foliage and may delay maturity.

Potassium

Potassium is important for tuber development and plant health.

Potatoes have a relatively high potassium requirement.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus supports root development and other essential plant functions.

Choosing Fertiliser

Use a fertiliser suitable for potatoes or follow recommendations based on soil testing.

Avoid applying large quantities without understanding existing nutrient levels.

Common Problems When Growing Maincrop Potatoes

Potato Late Blight

Late blight is caused by Phytophthora infestans.

It can spread rapidly during suitable warm, humid conditions.

Symptoms may include dark leaf lesions and rapid foliage collapse.

Infected tubers may develop brown internal decay.

To reduce risk:

• Choose varieties with useful resistance.
• Use healthy certified seed potatoes.
• Monitor crops during high-risk weather.
• Remove infected foliage appropriately.
• Avoid storing diseased tubers.

Potato Scab

Common scab causes rough, corky patches on potato skins.

It is often more troublesome in dry, alkaline soils.

Maintaining appropriate moisture during early tuber development can help reduce risk.

Slugs

Slugs can damage potato tubers.

Damage may become particularly noticeable during wet conditions.

Wireworms

Wireworm larvae can tunnel into potatoes.

They can be more troublesome in ground recently converted from grass.

Green Potatoes

Potatoes exposed to sunlight may turn green.

Do not eat green potatoes or potatoes with extensive greening, significant sprouting or bitter taste.

When to Harvest Maincrop Potatoes in the UK

Maincrop potatoes are usually harvested between August and October.

The exact timing depends on variety and weather.

Signs Maincrop Potatoes Are Ready

• Plants begin naturally dying back.
• Foliage yellows and declines.
• Tubers have reached a suitable size.
• Skins are firm and don’t rub off easily.

Should You Wait Until the Foliage Dies?

For storage potatoes, allowing the crop to mature fully is generally beneficial.

However, if serious late blight is present, waiting may increase the risk of tuber infection.

Assess crop health carefully.

How to Harvest Maincrop Potatoes

Step 1: Choose Suitable Conditions

Harvest during reasonably dry weather where practical.

Step 2: Use a Garden Fork

Insert the fork away from the plant to reduce the risk of piercing tubers.

Step 3: Lift Carefully

Gently loosen the soil and lift the potatoes.

Step 4: Collect All Tubers

Search the surrounding soil for remaining potatoes.

Step 5: Inspect the Harvest

Separate damaged, green or diseased tubers.

Step 6: Allow Surface Moisture to Dry

Let sound potatoes dry briefly in a shaded, ventilated position.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

How to Store Maincrop Potatoes for Winter

Correct storage is one of the biggest advantages of growing maincrop potatoes.

Store in Darkness

Light exposure can cause greening.

Use a completely dark storage area or light-proof containers that still allow ventilation.

Keep Them Cool

A cool, frost-free location is best.

For many home growers, approximately 4–10°C is a practical storage range, depending on conditions and intended use.

Very cold storage can increase sugar levels in some potatoes, affecting cooking quality.

Provide Ventilation

Airflow helps prevent condensation and rotting.

Avoid Washing Before Storage

Washing can introduce moisture.

Brush off loose soil once dry instead.

Check Regularly

Inspect stored potatoes and remove any that begin rotting.

Keep Away from Frost

Frozen potatoes can become damaged and deteriorate quickly.

Can You Grow Maincrop Potatoes in Containers?

Yes, but maincrop potatoes generally require more space and a longer growing period than early varieties.

Choosing a Container

Use a large container with good drainage.

A capacity of approximately 40–60 litres or more can be useful for a small planting, depending on the variety and number of seed potatoes.

Planting

Use suitable compost and plant a modest number of seed potatoes.

Avoid overcrowding.

Earthing Up

Add compost around developing stems as they grow, leaving foliage exposed.

Watering

Large container-grown potato plants may require frequent watering during warm weather.

Feeding

Nutrients can become depleted in containers.

Use an appropriate fertiliser according to the product instructions.

Harvesting

Empty the container carefully once the crop is mature.

Can You Save Your Own Potatoes for Seed?

It’s possible to save small potatoes for replanting.

However, home-saved tubers may carry viruses and other diseases.

Repeatedly replanting saved potatoes can result in declining crop health and yield.

For reliable results, use certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier.

Avoid planting potatoes showing signs of disease or damage.

Crop Rotation for Potatoes

Potatoes belong to the same botanical family as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines.

Rotating crops can help reduce certain soil-borne pest and disease problems.

Where practical, avoid growing potatoes repeatedly in the same bed.

However, rotation doesn’t prevent every potato disease.

Late blight spores can spread from other infected plants and sources.

Healthy planting material and suitable crop management are also important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maincrop Potatoes

What Are Maincrop Potatoes?

Maincrop potatoes are varieties grown for a longer season and generally harvested during late summer or autumn.

What Is the Best Maincrop Potato to Grow in the UK?

Maris Piper, King Edward, Cara and Desiree are popular choices, depending on your preferred cooking qualities and growing conditions.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Roasting?

Maris Piper and King Edward are excellent choices.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Chips?

Maris Piper and Golden Wonder are popular floury varieties.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Mashing?

Maris Piper, King Edward and Desiree are useful options.

Which Maincrop Potato Is Best for Storage?

Cara and several other suitable maincrop varieties can store well when fully mature and correctly handled.

When Should You Plant Maincrop Potatoes?

April and May are generally suitable months in the UK.

How Deep Should You Plant Maincrop Potatoes?

Approximately 10–15cm deep is a useful guideline.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Maincrop Potatoes?

Approximately 35–45cm apart, with 70–75cm between rows.

Do Maincrop Potatoes Need Earthing Up?

Earthing up helps prevent developing tubers from becoming exposed to sunlight.

How Long Do Maincrop Potatoes Take to Grow?

Many take approximately 18–22 weeks, although timing varies by variety and conditions.

When Do You Harvest Maincrop Potatoes?

Usually between August and October.

Can Maincrop Potatoes Be Stored Over Winter?

Yes. Properly matured, healthy potatoes can often be stored for several months.

Can You Grow Maincrop Potatoes in Bags?

Yes, provided the containers are large enough and watering and feeding are managed carefully.

Are Maincrop Potatoes Better Than Early Potatoes?

Neither is automatically better.

Early potatoes are excellent for fresh summer harvests, while maincrop potatoes are particularly useful for larger harvests and storage.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to grow substantial quantities of potatoes for autumn and winter.

Whether you prefer the fluffy texture of Maris Piper, the traditional roasting qualities of King Edward, the versatility of Desiree or the useful disease resistance of Sarpo Mira, there’s a maincrop potato variety to suit almost every gardener.

The key to success is choosing healthy certified seed potatoes, preparing suitable soil and planting at the correct time.

Keep the crop adequately watered during tuber development, earth up plants to protect developing potatoes and monitor for common pests and diseases.

When the crop has matured, harvest carefully and store only healthy, undamaged potatoes in suitable conditions.

With a little planning and care, your homegrown maincrop potatoes can provide delicious meals for months after the growing season has finished.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!