Early Seed Potatoes: A Complete Guide to Planting, Growing, and Harvesting

Early seed potatoes are a must-have for gardeners seeking a quick and flavorful potato harvest. Known for their fast growth and tender texture, early seed potatoes can be enjoyed as fresh new potatoes just weeks after planting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, early seed potatoes are easy to grow and highly rewarding.

This guide provides all the information you need about early seed potatoes, including how to plant, grow, and harvest them successfully.

What Are Early Seed Potatoes?

Early seed potatoes are specially grown, certified disease-free tubers that are among the quickest to mature. They are divided into two categories:

First Early Potatoes
- Harvested 10–12 weeks after planting.
- Produce small, tender tubers ideal for boiling or steaming.
Second Early Potatoes
- Harvested 13–15 weeks after planting.
- Slightly larger tubers, perfect for salads or light meals.

Why Choose Early Seed Potatoes?

Fast Growth:
- Early seed potatoes mature in just 10–15 weeks, making them ideal for quick harvests.
Delicious New Potatoes:
- Known for their tender texture and creamy flavor.
Perfect for Containers:
- Early varieties thrive in pots, bags, or small garden spaces.
Extend Your Growing Season:
- Planting early seed potatoes allows you to enjoy potatoes well before maincrop varieties are ready.

Top Early Seed Potato Varieties

1. First Early Potatoes

Rocket:
- Extremely fast-growing with smooth, white-skinned tubers.
- Great for boiling or steaming.
Swift:
- One of the earliest-maturing varieties.
- Perfect for container growing and quick harvests.
Arran Pilot:
- A traditional UK favorite with excellent flavor.
- Produces small, fluffy potatoes ideal for new potatoes.

2. Second Early Potatoes

Charlotte:
- A waxy-textured salad potato with great flavor.
- Perfect for boiling or roasting.
Kestrel:
- Versatile with disease resistance.
- Excellent for roasting, mashing, or boiling.
Maris Peer:
- Smooth-skinned and flavorful.
- Ideal for salads and light cooking.

When to Plant Early Seed Potatoes

First Earlies: Plant in late February to early March.
Second Earlies: Plant in mid-to-late March.

Factors to Consider:

Ensure the soil is frost-free and workable before planting.
Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants from late frosts.

How to Plant Early Seed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Seed Potatoes

Chitting:
- Start chitting 4–6 weeks before planting, typically in January or February.
- Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot with the eyes (sprouts) facing upward.
- Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Prepare the Soil

Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

3. Planting in the Ground

Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
Space potatoes 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

4. Planting in Containers or Bags

Fill the container or bag with 10 cm of soil or compost.
Place 3–5 seed potatoes evenly spaced on the surface.
Cover with another 10 cm of soil and water lightly.
Add more soil as the plants grow, leaving the top leaves exposed.

Caring for Early Seed Potatoes

1. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially during tuber development.

2. Earthing Up

Mound soil or compost around the stems as the plants grow to protect tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.

3. Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth to encourage healthy plants.

4. Frost Protection

Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

5. Pest and Disease Management

Use certified seed potatoes to reduce disease risk.
Monitor for pests like slugs, wireworms, and aphids, and treat them as necessary.

Harvesting Early Seed Potatoes

First Earlies: Harvest 10–12 weeks after planting when plants flower.
Second Earlies: Harvest 13–15 weeks after planting when the foliage begins to yellow.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers, taking care not to damage them.

Using Early Potatoes

Early potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, as they do not store as well as maincrop varieties.
Popular cooking methods include:
- Boiling: Preserves their tender texture.
- Steaming: Enhances their creamy flavor.
- Roasting: Creates a crispy, golden exterior.

Common Problems When Growing Early Seed Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

Cause: Planting too early or unexpected late frosts.
Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants.

2. Poor Sprouting

Cause: Improper storage or low-quality seed potatoes.
Solution: Use certified seed potatoes and store them in a cool, dry place.

3. Blight

Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
Solution: Plant resistant varieties and ensure good airflow between plants.

Tips for Growing Early Seed Potatoes Successfully

Start Early: Begin chitting in January or February to prepare seed potatoes for planting.
Protect from Frost: Use fleece or cloches to shield plants during cold weather.
Monitor Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
Choose the Right Variety: Match your preferred harvest time and culinary use with the appropriate variety.
Harvest Promptly: Pick early potatoes as soon as they are ready to enjoy their fresh flavor.

Conclusion

Early seed potatoes are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enjoy fresh, flavorful new potatoes early in the growing season. With proper preparation, planting, and care, you can achieve a successful harvest in as little as 10–15 weeks. Whether you grow them in a garden bed, container, or bag, early seed potatoes are a versatile and rewarding crop.