First Early Potatoes Explained: Best Varieties & How to Grow

First early potatoes are the earliest potatoes you can grow, producing delicious new potatoes in early summer. They are ideal for UK gardens, allotments, raised beds, and containers, offering quick harvests and fresh flavour before maincrop potatoes are ready.

⭐ Recommended Products — Seed Potatoes & Planting Essentials

• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
A mixed pack of quality seed potatoes to plant for a steady harvest from early summer through to autumn. Ideal if you want variety in size and maturity times.
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• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
Choose popular individual varieties (e.g., Maris Piper, Charlotte, King Edward) to suit your taste and growing goals — consistent results from true seed stock.
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
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• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
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• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
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What Are First Early Potatoes?

First early potatoes are varieties that mature quickly, usually ready to harvest 10–12 weeks after planting. They are planted in early spring and harvested in late spring or early summer. These potatoes are best eaten fresh and are not suitable for long-term storage.

When to Plant First Early Potatoes in the UK

First early potatoes are usually planted from March onwards, depending on soil temperature and weather conditions. In milder regions, planting can begin slightly earlier if the soil is workable and frost risk is low.

Best First Early Potato Varieties (UK)

Rocket

A very fast-growing variety that produces smooth-skinned potatoes with good flavour. Rocket is ideal for containers, grow bags, and beginners.

Swift

One of the earliest varieties available. Swift performs well in cooler spring conditions and offers reliable crops with a light, pleasant taste.

Arran Pilot

A traditional UK variety known for excellent flavour. Best enjoyed freshly harvested rather than stored.

Pentland Javelin

A popular early variety producing uniform tubers with a good yield. Well suited to most UK soils.

How to Grow First Early Potatoes

Chitting Seed Potatoes

Chitting involves placing seed potatoes in a cool, light place to encourage shoots before planting. While not essential, chitting can speed up growth and lead to earlier harvests.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Plant seed potatoes around 10–15cm deep with 30cm spacing between plants and 60cm between rows. In containers, allow enough space for tubers to develop.

Earthing Up

As plants grow, gradually mound soil around the stems to protect developing tubers from light and frost and to improve yields.

Watering and Feeding

Keep plants well watered, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, as potatoes dislike soggy soil. A balanced fertiliser can help promote healthy growth.

When to Harvest First Early Potatoes

First early potatoes are ready to harvest when plants begin flowering. Tubers can be gently lifted while still small and tender for the best flavour.

Common Problems with First Early Potatoes

First earlies are less likely to suffer from blight due to their early harvest. However, watch for:

• Frost damage to young shoots
• Slugs in wet conditions
• Poor yields caused by dry soil

Why Grow First Early Potatoes?

• Quick harvests
• Excellent fresh flavour
• Ideal for small gardens and containers
• Lower risk of blight

Choosing the Right First Early Potatoes

Growing two or more first early varieties can extend your harvest window and reduce risk if weather conditions vary.