Desiree Potatoes: Growing and Care Guide

Desiree potatoes are a popular and reliable variety grown across the UK. Known for their red skins, creamy flesh, and versatility in the kitchen, Desiree is a maincrop potato that performs well in gardens, allotments, and raised beds, even in less-than-perfect conditions.

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What Are Desiree Potatoes?

Desiree is a maincrop potato variety with smooth red skin and pale yellow flesh. It has a slightly waxy to floury texture, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. Desiree is also valued for its tolerance to variable weather and its ability to cope with heavier or wetter soils.

When to Plant Desiree Potatoes

In the UK, Desiree potatoes are usually planted:

• Early to mid-April, once the soil is workable and the risk of severe frost has passed

Chitting seed potatoes before planting helps encourage strong early growth.

How to Grow Desiree Potatoes

Soil Preparation

Desiree potatoes prefer fertile, well-drained soil but are more forgiving than many varieties. Improve soil before planting by digging in well-rotted compost or organic matter to boost nutrients and drainage.

Planting Depth and Spacing

• Plant seed potatoes 10–15 cm deep
• Space plants 35 cm apart
• Leave 75 cm between rows

This spacing allows room for healthy growth and good airflow.

Earthing Up

As shoots emerge, gradually mound soil around the stems. Continue earthing up until ridges are around 20 cm high to protect tubers from light and improve yields.

Watering

Water regularly during dry spells, especially when plants are flowering and tubers are forming. Desiree tolerates dry conditions better than some varieties but still benefits from consistent moisture.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertiliser at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leaf growth at the expense of tuber development.

Growing Desiree Potatoes in Containers

Desiree can be grown in large containers:

• Use containers at least 50 cm deep and wide
• Fill with free-draining compost
• Earth up gradually with additional compost
• Water consistently, as containers dry out faster than ground soil

When to Harvest Desiree Potatoes

Desiree potatoes are ready to harvest when:

• The foliage has completely died back
• Tubers have reached full size

This is usually late summer to early autumn, around 18–22 weeks after planting.

How to Harvest Desiree Potatoes

• Cut back foliage and wait 7–14 days before lifting to allow skins to harden
• Lift carefully using a fork to avoid damaging tubers
• Allow potatoes to dry briefly before storing

How to Store Desiree Potatoes

• Store in a cool, dark, frost-free place
• Do not wash before storage
• Check regularly and remove any damaged potatoes

When stored correctly, Desiree potatoes keep well for several months.

Common Problems When Growing Desiree Potatoes

• Blight during wet summers (moderate resistance)
• Scab in dry or alkaline soil
• Slug damage in damp conditions

Good spacing, crop rotation, and even watering help reduce these issues.

Best Uses for Desiree Potatoes

Desiree potatoes are ideal for:

• Roasting
• Baking
• Boiling
• Wedges
• Chips

They are less suitable for very smooth mash due to their slightly waxy texture.

Why Grow Desiree Potatoes?

• Versatile cooking uses
• Attractive red skin
• Tolerant of varied soil and weather
• Reliable yields in UK conditions

Tips for Best Results

• Always chit seed potatoes before planting
• Maintain even soil moisture
• Earth up thoroughly
• Rotate crops yearly to reduce disease risk