International Kidney Seed Potatoes
International Kidney Seed Potatoes are more commonly known by a certain name from Jersey but they can only be called this when they are grown on the Island of Jersey.
Officially classed as an early maincrop it can also be classed as a second early due to the fact it is grown so early on some areas.
Introduced in 1879, International Kidney are now considered to be a heritage variety that has stood the tests of both time, and taste.
Tubers are of a kidney shape with shallow eyes and white flesh and skin.
This variety is a second early variety for lifting late July / August / Early September.
Bag Size: Pack of 2kg Potato Tubers
Soil preparation for second early seed potatoes
Prepare the soil for open ground beds in November or December in the year prior to growing second early potato crops. Incorporate plenty of organic matter to improve soil structure, moisture retention and to add essential nutrients to the soil. On heavy clay soils and light sandy soils ensure ample amounts of organic matter or well-rotted manure is added to help improve soil quality and aid drainage.
Buy or order your second early seed potatoes in January or February so that you have them ready to plant in April when conditions allow.
An open sunny position is best for all types of potatoes and it’s advisable not to plant seed potatoes in ground that has previously been used to grow potatoes for 2 years or longer. Rotating crops each year will help reduce the possibility of disease.
The same applies to soil, in which second early potatoes have been grown in containers. For best results use fresh soil each time. Second early seed potatoes will benefit from chitting, which is the process of placing the potatoes in a light, cool place prior to planting, so that new shoots are encouraged to sprout.
Planting second early seed potatoes in beds
Choose a dry day during mid to late April and ensure any frost has lifted from the soil. Lightly rake the soil, in which the potato crop will be grown, into a manageable fine tilth. Using a spade, dig a trench approximately 10cm deep and then place the seed potatoes at a distance of 37cm apart and 75cm between rows. Ensure the potatoes have the rose end, which usually has the most shoots, facing upwards. Finally, cover the seed potatoes with soil and lightly firm.
A light sprinkling of potato fertiliser can be spread over the top of the soil and water applied sparingly. Frosts can severely damage the emerging potato shoots so covering the planted trenches with polythene cloches is highly recommended during the first few weeks. Keep the young plants well watered during dry spells.
Growing second early seed potatoes in containers
Second early potatoes can be successfully grown in large containers with a capacity of at least 30 litres. Containers can be wooden, plastic, clay or metal as long as adequate drainage holes are present so that excess water can drain away freely. If containers are allowed to become water-logged, the potatoes will be damaged by rot and will become useless.
Fill containers to around two thirds capacity and then plant the seed potatoes with the rose end facing upwards. Cover the seed potatoes with 100cm of soil and press down the soil firmly. Potato fertiliser can be sprinkled over the top and a light watering may be required if the soil is particularly dry. It is advisable to cover the container with clear polythene until the green shoots appear. When the shoots are about 75cm high remove the polythene cover and water the plants. Containers can dry out very quickly, especially in warmer weather so ensure plants are kept well watered at all times.
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