New potatoes are in demand because of their taste and fresh vitamins and are eagerly awaited every year. Those who grow them themselves start planting early varieties as early as March. The only condition: the ground must be frost-free.
Early potato varieties
With early potatoes, a distinction is again made between very early and early varieties.
- very early varieties: Christa, Rosara, Frühgold, La Ratte
- early varieties: Cilena, Marabel, Margit, Sieglinde, Belana
Tips for faster growth
Potatoes take about 80 to 100 days from planting to harvest. With some "tricks" the growth can be accelerated.
Preheated floor
Potatoes love warm soil. You can support the warming up by the sun by spreading out blankets, foil or garden fleece 2 weeks before planting.
Even after planting, it still makes sense to leave the foil on the bed so that heat continues to be stored under it. However, to avoid rotting, regular ventilation is necessary. It is then removed by May at the latest or, at the most, used overnight during late frosts.
foil tunnel
A foil tunnel also gives you a head start on growth. (11.46€) The sun heats up the air and soil under the foil, while at the same time it protects against frost.
Foil cover and foil tunnel do not replace piling up!
Use pre-sprouted potatoes
Germination of early varieties begins as early as February. Place the potatoes in a bright place in a fruit or egg crate, but not in direct sunlight.
Reduced furrow depth
In order to make better use of the sun's heat, early potatoes are planted less deeply. A furrow depth of about 6 to 10 cm is sufficient.
Now is harvest time
The early potato harvest begins in June. In contrast to late varieties, it is harvested when the herb is still flowering. A potato is carefully dug up to check the tires. If the skin stays firm when you rub your finger over it, the potato is ripe.
Impatient people check 60 days after sowing. Then the first potatoes can be ripe, but should be eaten immediately.
New potatoes are not suitable for storage. That is why only as much is dug up as is used.
tips and tricks
How about the "Red Duke of York"? Cultivated since 1942, the potato is a very early variety with red skin, yellow flesh, a creamy taste and very good yields.