Sarpo Mira Potatoes: Ultimate Blight-Resistant Guide

Sarpo Mira potatoes are widely regarded as one of the most blight-resistant potato varieties available to UK gardeners. They are a powerful choice for allotments and gardens where blight pressure is high, especially in wet summers or areas where spraying isn’t practical.

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What Are Sarpo Mira Potatoes?

Sarpo Mira is a maincrop potato variety developed specifically for strong disease resistance. It has red-purple skin and white flesh, producing large, robust tubers. The plants themselves are very vigorous, with tall growth and dense foliage.

Sarpo Mira potatoes are known more for reliability and resilience than for gourmet looks, making them ideal for food security and bulk harvests.

Why Is Sarpo Mira So Blight-Resistant?

Sarpo Mira was bred with exceptionally high resistance to late blight, both in the foliage and the tubers. This means:

• Foliage stays green and productive long after other varieties fail
• Tubers remain protected even during severe blight outbreaks
• Plants can often be grown without fungicide sprays
• Crops are more likely to reach full maturity

While no potato is completely immune, Sarpo Mira is one of the strongest blight-resistant choices for UK conditions.

Benefits of Growing Sarpo Mira

• Excellent blight resistance
• Very high yields
• Suitable for organic and low-input growing
• Reliable even in wet, blight-prone summers
• Good storage potential

This makes Sarpo Mira a favourite on allotments and self-sufficient gardens.

When to Plant Sarpo Mira Potatoes

In the UK, Sarpo Mira potatoes are usually planted:

• Early to mid-April, once the soil is workable

Chitting seed potatoes before planting is recommended, as Sarpo Mira benefits from a strong early start.

How to Grow Sarpo Mira Potatoes

Soil Preparation

Sarpo Mira grows best in fertile, well-drained soil but is very adaptable. Dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or organic matter before planting to support vigorous growth.

Planting Depth and Spacing

• Plant seed potatoes 10–15 cm deep
• Space plants 40 cm apart
• Leave 75 cm between rows

Wider spacing is important, as Sarpo Mira plants grow large and need good airflow.

Earthing Up

Earth up regularly as shoots grow. This protects tubers from light and supports the plant’s heavy growth.

Watering

Water during dry spells, especially while tubers are forming. Although Sarpo Mira copes well in wet conditions, it still benefits from balanced moisture.

Feeding

Sarpo Mira is a hungry plant. A balanced fertiliser at planting time helps support its strong growth and high yields.

Growing Sarpo Mira in Containers

Sarpo Mira is not ideal for containers due to its large size and vigorous foliage. It performs best in open ground or large allotment beds where roots and tubers have plenty of space.

When to Harvest Sarpo Mira Potatoes

Sarpo Mira potatoes are ready to harvest:

• Late summer to early autumn, once foliage begins to die back

Thanks to its blight resistance, plants often remain green much longer than other varieties, allowing tubers to fully mature.

How to Harvest Sarpo Mira Potatoes

• Cut back foliage and wait 10–14 days before lifting
• Lift carefully using a fork
• Allow tubers to dry briefly before storing

How to Store Sarpo Mira Potatoes

Sarpo Mira stores well when handled correctly:

• Store in a cool, dark, frost-free place
• Avoid washing before storage
• Check regularly and remove damaged tubers

Stored properly, Sarpo Mira potatoes can last for several months.

Best Uses for Sarpo Mira Potatoes

Sarpo Mira potatoes are best suited for:

• Boiling
• Mashing
• Roasting
• Stews and bulk cooking

They are less popular for salads due to their size and texture.

Limitations of Sarpo Mira

• Large plants require space
• Tubers can be irregular in shape
• Flavour is good but not considered gourmet

Despite this, the reliability and yield often outweigh these drawbacks.

Why Grow Sarpo Mira Potatoes?

• One of the best blight-resistant potatoes available
• Ideal for wet UK summers
• Perfect for allotments and organic growing
• Produces large harvests with minimal intervention

Tips for Best Results

• Give plants plenty of space
• Earth up well
• Rotate crops yearly
• Remove any infected foliage nearby to reduce disease pressure