Kestrel Potatoes: Early to Second Early Guide

Kestrel potatoes are a versatile and reliable variety that sit on the border between first early and second early potatoes. They are well known for their attractive skin, good yields, and flexibility in the kitchen, making them a popular choice for UK gardeners.

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What Are Kestrel Potatoes?

Kestrel is an early to second early potato variety with smooth pale skin and distinctive pink eyes. The flesh is creamy white with a medium texture, slightly waxy when young and more floury as the tubers mature. This makes Kestrel potatoes suitable for a wide range of uses.

Kestrel is often described as a “dual-purpose early potato” because it can be lifted early as a new potato or left a little longer to bulk up.

When to Plant Kestrel Potatoes

In the UK, Kestrel potatoes are usually planted:

• Late March to early April, once the soil is workable and no longer waterlogged

Chitting seed potatoes before planting is recommended to encourage quicker emergence and stronger early growth.

How to Grow Kestrel Potatoes

Soil Preparation

Kestrel potatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Improve soil before planting by digging in well-rotted compost or organic matter to support healthy growth.

Planting Depth and Spacing

• Plant seed potatoes 10–15 cm deep
• Space plants 30–35 cm apart
• Leave 60–65 cm between rows

Kestrel also performs well in raised beds and large containers.

Earthing Up

As shoots emerge, gradually earth up soil around the stems. Continue earthing up as plants grow to protect developing tubers from light and to improve yields.

Watering

Water regularly during dry spells, particularly when plants are flowering and tubers are forming. Avoid waterlogging, as overly wet soil can affect tuber quality.

Feeding

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

Growing Kestrel Potatoes in Containers

Kestrel potatoes are well suited to container growing:

• Use containers at least 40–45 cm deep
• Fill with free-draining compost
• Earth up gradually as plants grow
• Water consistently, as containers dry out faster than garden soil

When to Harvest Kestrel Potatoes

Kestrel potatoes can be harvested at different stages:

• Early harvest: around 10–12 weeks after planting for new potatoes
• Later harvest: around 13–15 weeks after planting for larger tubers

Harvest timing can be adjusted depending on how you plan to use them.

How to Harvest Kestrel Potatoes

• Gently loosen soil with a fork
• Lift carefully to avoid damaging skins
• Harvest as needed rather than lifting the entire crop at once

Kestrel potatoes are best eaten fresh and are not intended for long-term storage.

Common Problems When Growing Kestrel Potatoes

• Dry soil reducing tuber size
• Slug damage in damp conditions
• Blight risk is lower due to early harvesting but still possible in wet summers

Good spacing, airflow, and regular checks help reduce issues.

Best Uses for Kestrel Potatoes

Kestrel potatoes are ideal for:

• Boiling
• Steaming
• Salads
• Roasting
• Wedges

Their texture becomes more floury the longer they are left in the ground.

Why Grow Kestrel Potatoes?

• Flexible harvest window
• Attractive skin with pink eyes
• Reliable yields in UK conditions
• Versatile cooking uses
• Suitable for gardens, allotments, and containers

Tips for Best Results

• Always chit seed potatoes before planting
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Earth up thoroughly
• Harvest earlier for waxy texture, later for fluffier results