Picasso Potatoes: Growing and Harvesting Tips

Picasso potatoes are a distinctive and reliable second early potato variety, easily recognised by their pale skin with pink eyes. They are popular with UK gardeners for their good yields, adaptability, and versatility in the kitchen.

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What Are Picasso Potatoes?

Picasso is a second early potato variety with cream-coloured skin and pink-red eyes. The flesh is pale yellow with a medium texture that sits between waxy and floury. This makes Picasso potatoes suitable for a wide range of cooking uses.

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

When to Plant Picasso Potatoes

In the UK, Picasso potatoes are usually planted:

• Late March to early April, once the soil is workable and not waterlogged

Chitting seed potatoes before planting helps encourage quicker growth and better establishment.

How to Grow Picasso Potatoes

Soil Preparation

Picasso potatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, dig in well-rotted compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient levels.

Planting Depth and Spacing

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

Picasso also grows well in raised beds and large containers.

Earthing Up

As shoots appear, gradually earth up soil around the stems. This protects developing tubers from light and improves yields.

Watering

Water regularly during dry spells, especially when plants are flowering and tubers are forming. Avoid waterlogging, as Picasso potatoes dislike very wet soil.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertiliser at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth rather than tuber development.

Growing Picasso Potatoes in Containers

Picasso potatoes are suitable for 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 Picasso Potatoes

Picasso potatoes are usually ready to harvest:

• 13–15 weeks after planting

Harvest when plants are flowering or just after flowering finishes. Tubers should be medium-sized with thin skins.

How to Harvest Picasso Potatoes

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

Picasso potatoes are best eaten soon after harvesting.

Common Problems When Growing Picasso Potatoes

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

Good spacing and airflow help reduce disease risk.

Best Uses for Picasso Potatoes

Picasso potatoes are ideal for:

• Boiling
• Roasting
• Wedges
• Light mashing

They are not suitable for long-term storage or heavy chipping.

Why Grow Picasso Potatoes?

• Attractive appearance with pink eyes
• Reliable second early harvest
• Versatile cooking uses
• Easy to grow in UK conditions

Tips for Best Results

• Always chit seed potatoes before planting
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Earth up well
• Harvest promptly for best flavour