Second Early Potatoes: When to Plant and Harvest
Second early potatoes are a popular choice for UK gardeners, sitting between first earlies and maincrop varieties. They offer higher yields than first earlies while still being ready relatively early in the season, making them ideal for summer eating.
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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 Second Early Potatoes?
Second early potatoes are varieties that mature in around 13–15 weeks after planting. They are usually harvested in early to mid-summer and are valued for their versatility, good yields, and excellent flavour. They can be eaten fresh or stored for short periods.
When to Plant Second Early Potatoes in the UK
Second early potatoes are typically planted from late March to early April, once the risk of severe frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. In colder regions, planting may be delayed slightly.
Best Second Early Potato Varieties (UK)
Charlotte
A well-known salad potato with a waxy texture that holds its shape when cooked. Charlotte is reliable, flavoursome, and widely grown across the UK.
Maris Peer
A dependable variety producing smooth, evenly sized tubers. Ideal for boiling and salads, and suitable for most UK growing conditions.
Jazzy
A modern variety with good disease resistance and a naturally sweet flavour. Performs particularly well in containers and raised beds.
Nicola
A versatile second early potato with good yields and a smooth skin. Excellent for boiling and salads, with good short-term storage potential.
How to Grow Second Early Potatoes
Chitting Seed Potatoes
Chitting helps encourage strong early growth. Place seed potatoes in a light, cool position to allow short shoots to form before planting.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Plant seed potatoes 10–15cm deep, spacing plants around 30cm apart, with 60cm between rows. Containers should be deep enough to allow earthing up.
Earthing Up
Gradually draw soil up around the stems as plants grow. This protects tubers from light and improves yields.
Watering and Feeding
Water regularly during dry periods, especially once tubers start forming. Avoid overwatering, as potatoes dislike waterlogged soil.
When to Harvest Second Early Potatoes
Second early potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants are in flower or just after flowering finishes. Tubers can be lifted as needed, or the crop can be harvested in one go once tubers have reached a good size.
Common Problems with Second Early Potatoes
- Late spring frosts damaging young growth
- Slugs in damp conditions
- Reduced yields caused by dry soil
Second early potatoes are less prone to blight than maincrop varieties due to their earlier harvest time.
Why Grow Second Early Potatoes?
- Larger yields than first earlies
- Earlier harvests than maincrop potatoes
- Versatile for boiling, salads, and light roasting
- Suitable for gardens, allotments, and containers
Choosing the Right Second Early Potatoes
Growing more than one second early variety can help extend the harvest period and reduce the impact of variable weather.