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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⭐ 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 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