Early Seed Potatoes: A Guide to Planting and Growing

Early seed potatoes are a fantastic choice for gardeners who want a quick and rewarding harvest. These potatoes are known for their fast growth and delicious flavor, often ready to harvest weeks before other varieties. Whether you’re growing them in a garden, containers, or potato bags, early seed potatoes are an excellent option for new and experienced gardeners alike.

This guide explains everything you need to know about early seed potatoes, including the best varieties, planting techniques, and care tips for a successful crop.

What Are Early Seed Potatoes?

Early seed potatoes are tubers that mature faster than other types, typically within 10–15 weeks of planting. They include first earlies and second earlies, which are ideal for gardeners looking for an early harvest.

Types of Early Seed Potatoes

First Earlies:
- Grow the fastest, ready to harvest in 10–12 weeks.
- Known for their tender texture and sweet flavor.
- Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
Second Earlies:
- Slightly slower to mature, ready in 13–15 weeks.
- Excellent for salads and mid-season meals.
- Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.

Why Grow Early Seed Potatoes?

Quick Harvest:
- Early potatoes grow faster than maincrop varieties, providing a harvest in late spring or early summer.
Delicious Flavor:
- Known for their tender, sweet, and buttery taste, perfect for boiling or steaming.
Avoids Blight:
- Early harvesting reduces the risk of late-season diseases like potato blight.
Versatile Growing Options:
- Can be grown in garden beds, containers, or bags, making them suitable for any space.

Best Early Seed Potato Varieties

1. Rocket

Maturity: 10–12 weeks.
Flavor: Smooth texture and mild taste.
Best For: Boiling or steaming.

2. Swift

Maturity: 10–12 weeks.
Flavor: Creamy and tender.
Best For: New potatoes, ideal for containers.

3. Arran Pilot

Maturity: 10–12 weeks.
Flavor: Traditional UK favorite with fluffy texture.
Best For: Boiling and steaming.

4. Charlotte (Second Early)

Maturity: 13–15 weeks.
Flavor: Waxy with a buttery taste.
Best For: Salads and side dishes.

5. Kestrel (Second Early)

Maturity: 13–15 weeks.
Flavor: Sweet with a firm texture.
Best For: Roasting and boiling.

When to Plant Early Seed Potatoes

First Earlies: Late February to early March.
Second Earlies: Mid-to-late March.

Key Considerations:

Wait until the soil has warmed to at least 7°C (45°F).
Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants from frost if planting early.

How to Plant Early Seed Potatoes

1. Preparing 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 (sprouting points) facing upward.
- Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Preparing 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:
- First earlies: 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
- Second earlies: 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

4. Planting in Containers or Bags

Fill the container or potato 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, especially during dry spells.
Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

2. Earthing Up

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

3. Fertilizing

Use 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.

Harvesting Early Seed Potatoes

First Earlies:
- Harvest 10–12 weeks after planting when the plants flower or the foliage begins to yellow.
Second Earlies:
- Harvest 13–15 weeks after planting when the plants flower.

Harvesting Tips:

Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers, taking care not to damage them.
Wash and cook immediately for the freshest flavor.

Storing Early Potatoes

Early potatoes are best eaten fresh but can be stored for a short period if needed:

Curing:
- Allow harvested potatoes to dry in a cool, shaded place for 1–2 days.
Storage:
- Store in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area for up to 2 weeks.

Common Challenges 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: Low-quality seed potatoes or improper storage.
Solution: Use certified seed potatoes and start chitting early.

3. Pests

Cause: Slugs, wireworms, or aphids.
Solution: Use organic pest control methods and maintain good garden hygiene.

Tips for Growing Early Seed Potatoes Successfully

Start Early: Begin chitting in January to prepare seed potatoes for planting.
Protect from Frost: Cover early plantings with fleece or cloches.
Choose the Right Variety: Match your potato type to your desired harvest time and cooking needs.
Enrich the Soil: Add compost or manure to improve fertility.
Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to prevent diseases.

Conclusion

Growing early seed potatoes is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, tender potatoes earlier in the season. With the right preparation, planting techniques, and care, you can achieve a quick and bountiful harvest. Whether you’re growing in a garden or a container, early seed potatoes are perfect for gardeners who want a head start on their potato season.