Maincrop Potatoes: Best Varieties for Storage
Maincrop potatoes are grown for their large yields and excellent storage qualities, making them ideal for supplying potatoes through autumn and winter. They take longer to mature than early varieties but reward growers with heavy crops and versatile cooking potatoes.
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⭐ 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 Maincrop Potatoes?
Maincrop potatoes are varieties that take around 18–22 weeks to mature after planting. They are usually harvested in late summer to early autumn and are well suited to long-term storage once properly cured.
When to Plant Maincrop Potatoes in the UK
Maincrop potatoes are typically planted from early to mid-April once soil conditions improve and the risk of severe frost has passed. In colder regions, planting may be delayed slightly.
Best Maincrop Potato Varieties for Storage (UK)
Maris Piper
One of the most popular potatoes in the UK. Produces high yields and stores well when kept in cool, dark conditions. Excellent for roasting, chips, and mash.
King Edward
A traditional favourite with a fluffy texture and excellent flavour. Stores reasonably well and is especially prized for roasting.
Desiree
A reliable red-skinned potato with good disease resistance. Stores well and is suitable for boiling, roasting, and mashing.
Cara
Known for its strong resistance to blight, Cara is a dependable maincrop potato that stores well and performs reliably in wetter UK conditions.
Sarpo Mira
Highly resistant to blight and one of the best choices for long-term storage. Produces heavy crops and is ideal for organic growing.
How to Grow Maincrop Potatoes
Chitting Seed Potatoes
Chitting helps produce stronger early growth. Place seed potatoes in a light, frost-free location until short shoots develop.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Plant seed potatoes 10–15cm deep, spacing them around 35cm apart, with 75cm between rows to allow for larger plants.
Earthing Up
Earth up plants regularly as they grow to protect tubers from light and improve yields.
Watering and Feeding
Water well during dry periods, especially when tubers are forming. Avoid waterlogging, which can reduce storage quality.
When to Harvest Maincrop Potatoes
Maincrop potatoes are ready to harvest once the foliage has died back naturally. Leave tubers in the ground for a short period after foliage dies to allow skins to harden before lifting.
How to Store Maincrop Potatoes
- Allow potatoes to dry and cure before storage
- Store in a cool, dark, frost-free place
- Avoid washing before storage
- Check regularly and remove any damaged tubers
Properly stored maincrop potatoes can last for several months.
Why Grow Maincrop Potatoes?
- Large, reliable harvests
- Excellent storage potential
- Wide range of cooking uses
- Ideal for feeding families through winter
Choosing the Right Maincrop Potatoes
Growing a mix of maincrop varieties can improve disease resistance, spread risk, and provide potatoes with different textures and flavours for cooking.