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Java is a superb, new all round use potato.
A most versatile maincrop variety, with wonderful flavour and texture. It is delicious when boiled, mashed, baked, roasted or cut into wedges.
Caledonian Rose produces attractive, bright red skin and pale, yellow flesh. Expect high yields of large potatoes.
It is easy to grow with good disease resistance to Common Scab, PCN (Potato Cyst Nematodes, also known as Potato Eelworm) and Blackleg, all of which are common problems in GB gardens.
Soil preparation for maincrop seed potatoes
Prepare the soil for maincrop potato beds during November or December in the year prior to growing crops. Incorporate generous amounts of organic matter or well-rotted manure, which will help improve soil structure, retain moisture and to add vital nutrients to the soil. Light sandy soils and heavy clay soils may require additional compost to aid drainage, which is very important for the successful growing of potatoes.
Order or buy your maincrop seed potatoes in late February or early March so that you have them ready to plant in April when favourable conditions allow.
All potatoes prefer an open sunny position and it’s always advisable not to plant seed potatoes in ground that has been previously used to grow potatoes for 2 years or more. Good practice is to rotate crops each year to help reduce the possibility of spreading disease.
Maincrop seed potatoes will benefit from chitting, which is the process of placing the sets in a light, cool place prior to planting. This will encourage the growth of new shoots, giving the tubers a safe head start.
Planting maincrop seed potatoes in beds
Planting is best carried out on a dry day in April, ensuring any frost has first lifted from the soil. Lightly rake the prepared beds, in which the potato crop will be grown, so that you have a manageable tilth. Next, using a spade, dig a straight and even trench approximately 10cm deep and then place the seed potatoes at a distance of 45cm apart. If growing more than one row, space each row at around 75cm apart. Each seed potato has a rose end, which usually has the most shoots, and this end should be facing upwards. Cover the seed potatoes with soil and lightly firm down with the foot or back of the spade.
A sprinkling of potato fertiliser can then be spread over the top of the soil and water applied. If frosts are prevalent, do not over water as this could cause damage should the water later freeze. Also to prevent damage to the emerging shoots, it is recommended you cover the planted trenches with cloches until the new shoots appear. Regular watering during dry spells will ensure the young tubers swell and stay firm and healthy.
General aftercare
General aftercare consists of regular watering, especially during dry periods. Maincrop potatoes need quite a lot of water so it’s important the plants are not allowed to dry out.
As the young shoots grow you should “earth up” the potato stems to protect them from frosts and to ensure the new younger potatoes, nearest the surface are not exposed to light. If they are exposed to light they will begin to go green, making the potatoes inedible.
During the growing season additional fertiliser can be applied every 2-3 weeks to ensure plants obtain sufficient nutrients to keep them growing strong and healthy.
Pack of 2kg potato tubers
My first dealing with these potatoes and I was not disappointed. My crop did not grow to a particularly large size but are truly excellent for roasting. I will definitely grow them next year and in greater quantity.
