potato , the unassuming root veg , have been a constant presence in kitchens and garden for as long as anyone can remember . While the standard Russet , Red , or Yellow potatoes may be the norm in grocery store stores , there ’s a world of heirloom potato out there that have been acquire for centuries that should be make water a riposte in our garden and farm . With their strange shapes and rainbow of colors , these old miscellanea of potatoes are as challenging to calculate at as they are tasty to eat .
Just likeheirloom tomatoes , there ’s a growing buff base for these heritage miscellanea . And who can blame them ? With a rich history and unique flavors , heirloom potatoes are deserving the hype .
So , what ’s the good deal with these special spud ? What make an heirloom potato an heirloom , you may ask ?
@agroecologicaelpozo
Most horticulturists sort out Solanum tuberosum as “ heirloom ” only if it has been in existence for at least 100 days and has rest genetically unaltered since then or a variety that has not been genetically modify for at least 50 years . In general , most heirloom potato varieties were develop in the late 1800s when Irish potato crops were decimated due to potato blight .
The characteristics of heirloom potatoes can vary wide , with unlike varieties exhibiting unique tang , textures , and a stunning array of colors . Some notable heirloom potato varieties admit Peach Blow , Russet Burbank , German Butterball , Bintje , Champion , Russian Banana Fingerling , Garnet Chile , Rode Eersteling , Russian Blue , and Green Mountain .
Now , I must warn you that heirloom spud may not be as unfearing as some of the newer form , but their over - the - top flavor is what makes them worth growing . And if you ’re interested in trying your hand at growing some of these particular potato , I ’ve got you covered with the top 10 heirloom Solanum tuberosum varieties and how to turn them in your home garden . Trust me , your taste bud will give thanks you !
@agroecologicaelpozo
Get to Know Heirloom Potatoes
The origins of potatoes are traced back to Peru where they were first cultivated over 4000 years ago . They spread through Europe and the rest of the creation but the unique characteristic of these traditional Irish potato were slowly lost in favour of uniform varieties that can be grown in large fields .
Unfortunately , with genetic uniformness came susceptibleness to issue as can be seen by the Irish potato shortage that kill over a million multitude and displaced just as many .
Yet throughout history , consecrated sodbuster and gardeners have cautiously saved our full-bodied history of Solanum tuberosum and passed the old varieties on to future generations . These carefully continue varieties are the heirloom potatoes that we turn today .
@jessdland
What Heirloom Means
Heirloom means different affair to different people . There are also a mass of dissimilar terminologies and the great unwashed also habituate the term inheritance , traditional , old-fashioned , classic , or vintage in rally for heirloom .
Some people say heirloom varieties are the potpourri that their grandparents grew , while others claim a murphy variety must be one C of years old to be conceive an heirloom .
While there is no clearly defined definition , most people now assume that heirloom white potato refer to any cultivar that is more than 50 old age one-time .
@hoskenfamilyhomestead
To me , an heirloom is most any potato that has not been bred for aggregative production or large - musical scale farming . I consider any spud is grown exclusively for its perceptiveness , quality of yield , unequaled size of it , or colored chassis to be an heirloom .
What Makes Heirloom Potatoes So Special?
So what ’s all the flurry about heirloom potatoes ? What ’s so awry with the new varieties ?
While new Solanum tuberosum varieties have their property , there are many reasons to grow heirloom murphy :
Heirloom Seed Potatoes VS Potato Seeds
Like all potatoes , heirloom potatoes can be grown by eitherplanting seed potatoesor potato seminal fluid .
Seed tater are fundamentally a potato that you plant back in the primer coat and they will regrow an entire new potato flora . This is the good way to produce heirloom potato as it guarantee that the young potatoes will be the same as the parents were .
Potato cum are modest , round Charles Edward Berry that are produced from a murphy flower . These berries contain seeds that you may imbed and grow potatoes . However , potatoes are not true to sow , intend the seeds from the Chuck Berry will not bring on the same sort of Solanum tuberosum .
In most cases , heirloom potatoes are all grow from source white potato vine to ensure that the unique qualities of the potato are carried on .
Problems With Heirloom Potatoes
Because potatoes are typically bring forth from tuber rather than seeds , it is much more unmanageable to maintain healthy potato factor and miscellanea for long menstruum of sentence and you’re able to sometimes unravel into problems with passing on diseases .
For lesson , viruses do not unremarkably pass from one generation to the next when a veggie that is diffuse from seed .
However , because potatoes are typically propagated vegetatively by planting tuber from the late craw , disease can well be extend on until an heirloom variety becomes such a problem that it is no longer worth growing that variety .
@living_seeds
One of the best lineament of heirloom potatoes is that you’re able to bribe some from a farmer ’s grocery store and use them to spring up your own potato . It also appropriate you to trade and trade with friend to introduce new smorgasbord into your garden .
However , since potatoes are ill-famed for passing on diseases through their tubers , you could potentially run into trouble with such informal turn especially after several years of cultivation .
Where To Buy Heirloom Potatoes?
To avoid any chance of spend on diseases and other genetic payoff , verify to buy your heirloom ejaculate from reputable sources which ensure careful and disease - detached cultivation , such as
Seed Companies
Most seed party will only sell gamy quality , disease - free tubers . verify you do your research to make indisputable they are reputable or certified . Some seed company , such asBaker ’s Heirloom Seeds , orAnnie ’s Heirloom Seedsspecialize in heritage cultivars for the home or market garden .
Potato Breeders
There are many semen - saving establishment that work heavily to protect the verve of heirloom seeds , include potatoes . Seeds of Diversity Canadais one such organization , and these organizations often have inclination of certified breeders that you could get through .
Government Organizations
Manyagriculture extension officeswork to maintain respectable genetics of Irish potato . While these agencies normally lick with seminal fluid society , they will usually be able to point you in the instruction of a respectable quality white potato vine grower where you could find certify good for you seed potato .
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Heirloom Potatoes
Here are some pointers to successfully preparing and growing heirloom seed potatoes :
Choosing and Preparing Heirloom Seed Potatoes
Most potatoes are split into three group , namely early time of year , mid season , and later season . This refer to how long the potatoes take to senesce .
Early time of year mature in 60 to 80 days , mid season by and large take 70 to 90 days , while tardy season need between 90 and 120 days on average to produce their tubers .
Potato plants sprout from the eye of a potato with each eye become into an above earth stalk . On average , you want between 2 and 4 centre per seed potato .
If your potatoes are large with numerous eyes , they can be cut into modest pieces . Many potato agriculturist recommend chitting your potato , which is the praxis of letting the eyes sprout prior to planting .
Planting Seed Potatoes
There are different schools of thought process on planting white potato . Perhaps the most uncouth is trenching the potatoes , which is where you did a jam or trench about 30 curium ( 1 human foot ) deep , place the seed potato in the bottom , and then extend it with 8 cm to 10 cm ( 3 - 4 inches ) of soil . As the potato grow , hill the potatoes by continuing to fill in the trench .
We wish produce white potato vine in cages . We erect impermanent frames of lattice or telegram and bury the seeded player potatoes just 8 cm to 10 cm ( 3 - 4 in ) inside the material body .
As the potato grow , we hill them with grime , compost , or ( our favored ) husk . At harvest time , just take down the frame , pull up the straw , and most of the Tuber can be easy picked up .
Space your potato about 30 cm ( 1 human foot ) apart . If you take to walk amongst your plants , space your row about 1 m ( 3 human foot ) aside .
Harvesting Heirloom Potatoes
All potatoes require careful digging to avoid damaging the tubers . But heirloom potatoes can have in particular delicate skins , so these types should be handled with extra care .
A garden fork is prefer for digging spud over a shovel . Make indisputable to plunge the ramification into the ground far enough from the base of the potato plant to head off spear any of the tubers . Then labor down on the handle to tease the soil and accumulate any tubers that emerge .
Storing Heirloom Potatoes
sweep off any dirt from your potatoes with your hand , but do not rinse them . Do not scrub to vigorously or you’re able to damage the soft Solanum tuberosum skins . For long - term storage , cure the potatoes by spreading them out in a exclusive layer in a dark ventilated region for 1 to 2 weeks .
TIP : Curing them on seed tray keeps them off the dry land and allows air to circulate to keep rotting . It also gives a second utilisation to your cum tray which often sit unused during the harvest season .
Once heal , we lay in our potatoes in cardboard box fill with shredded report ( who get laid those old bank statements were dear for something ! ) . ensure to punch holes in the boxwood for air circulation .
@seedkeeping
10 Outstanding Heirloom Potato Varieties For The Home Garden
While there are legion heirloom potato cultivars out there , here are 10 of our favorite heirloom potato varieties that you’re able to grow in a place or market garden .
1:Peach Blow
Cultivation Since : Pre 1850
This is one of the oldest full - sized heirloom potatoes still available , maybe originate in 1841 in New Jersey . The beautiful prime are a easygoing peach - pink and the tubers are small with exceeding flavour .
There have been several later interpretation of this Irish potato such as Thorburn ’s White Peach Blow or Bliss ’ ameliorate Peach Blow which have been bred to improve characteristics such as output .
2:Russet Burbank
Cultivation Since:1876
Late time of year
Developed from the Early Rose , this former russet is an excellent producer that can grow very large and is a classic for baking and French fries .
@il.luminator
They can be tricky to grow , and many need piles of consistent moisture and loose sandy ground . Typically grown in northerly climates , Russet Burbank are one of the most ordinarily grown potato in North America .
The flower are white and the Solanum tuberosum are a classic russet brown . The potatoes also stash away very well for longsighted periods . The raw strains available today are fairly resistant to a variety of diseases .
3:German Butterball
Cultivation Since:1988
MidSeason
Even though they have only been around since the late 80s , German Butterball are usually debate and heirloom potato . Not only was it develop from pre-19 Century stock , it also has all the amazing characteristics of one has come to expect from heirloom white potato .
@zone3vegetablegardening
As the name implies , the grain is so creamy that you do n’t have to add butter , and seasonings are unneeded for the great savour .
The tubers are yellow - amber with a fast waxy texture that average 10 cm to 12 cm in length . They can be cook in a salmagundi of ways include mashing , baking , frying , and spud salad .
4:Bintje
culture Since:1910
Mid to Late time of year
Developed in the Netherlands , Bintje are smallish circular potatoes with chicken / atomic number 79 flesh and peel . They have a very unique smack and are typically best roasted or made into French fries .
@la.ferme.logique
They keep quite well with a low-pitched rate of sprout . They are alas more susceptible than other heirlooms to diseases , especially late blight , so make certain to take extra precautions if your domain is susceptible to these issues . The savour will be worth the measured cultivation .
5:Champion
Cultivation Since:1881
Mid Season
This is one of the greatest unexampled potatoes you may eat , the superstar came from Scotland and apace diffuse due to its high resistance to crushing blight .
It has white hide and yellowed flesh and it is best churn in its hide and used in salad . Even so , its texture and look are excellent no matter how you cook them .
6:Russian Banana Fingerling
Cultivation Since:1700s
A very other heirloom potato , this fingerling potato has a distinct banana shape . The 6 cm to 7 centimetre ( 3 - 4 inches ) foresightful tubers havebrown peel and yellow - gold flesh .
The tegument is very thin devising discase unnecessary and the white potato vine have a nice waxy texture that is excellent for salad , but they are also very unspoilt boiled , baked , and fry .
@zachsgardens
Russian Banana Fingerling were developed in the Balkans , and were probably circularise around the cosmos by sailor and fur traders .
A staple for any heirloom potato grower , Banana Fingerling and readily uncommitted and the light pink flowers are a pretty increase to the garden . They are also a heavy produce plant and the tubers are relatively unspoiled keepers .
7:Garnet Chile
1853
This is the begetter of many of the potatoes we love today . After the devastating spud shortage in the 1840s , ejaculate Malcolm stock was brough from Chile and the result was the Garnet Chile .
It is a spherical , small pink potato which keeps very well and is first-class boiled or used in salads . The bloom is white , though some serious potato growers have ascertain that it has never flowered in their garden .
8:Rode Eersteling
1892
Early Season
This other ( firstling ) scandalmongering Solanum tuberosum has a nice balance between waxy and floury grain . Bred for exceptional flavor , they are not meant for keeping so make certain you eat them up as boiled or deep-fried potatoes .
@buitenleven8
While this variety is a yellow Solanum tuberosum , there are also red and pinkish stochastic variable that have been discovered which are just as delicious .
The plant have an average issue and are fair resistant to strikebreaker .
9:Russian Blue
Pre 1900s
Another sort from Russia , this is perhaps the most spectacular depressed potato you may get , and the aesthetics on the dinner table are well deserving it .
The pelt are deep purpleness and the flesh is a dark blue which continue after cooking . They have a similar grain to Russets so are ideal for baking , mashing , or frying .
@van_vliet_horticulture
They are a very heavy mount Solanum tuberosum , so ensure to give it raft of room while it is grow . Russian Blue are also very drought resistant and can handle lack of water better than most other spuds .
Not only are the potatoes walk out , but the flowers are also a soft purpleness .
10:Green Mountain
1885
Many claim the Green Mountain is a great all - round variety . This high starch white potato is great for gratin , white potato hotcake , and even potato chips , but it also moderate together well when boiled and becomes a bright snow white .
Green Mountain has a prettywhite flush , and the tuber are oblong with tan skin and clean flesh . They are , unluckily , susceptible to former blight , but they are very good keepers .
@manise2
Conclusion
All too often these days , agricultural pattern rely on modern techniques and new developed cultivars . Most of these modern practices let in spraying and undue tilling , are prejudicious to the environment while the modern cultivars create a monocrop system that is unsustainable .
We postulate to move back to old - school day practices that our ancestors come after , and what better way to get going than by growing some of the potatoes that they themselves raise ?
While many heirloom potato varieties are dying out and others are becoming passing difficult to attain for the home grower , I hope some of the variety listed above will impart salubrious , vitality , and a little bit of history into your garden .
Written By
Amber Noyes was born and raised in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She holds a master ’s degree in horticulture from the University of California as well as a b in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience working on an constituent farm , water system preservation research , husbandman ’ marketplace , and flora nursery , she translate what makes plant flourish and how we can better sympathize the connector between microclimate and plant health . When she ’s not on the soil , Amber loves inform people of new ideas / thing touch on to gardening , particularly constituent horticulture , houseplant , and growing industrial plant in a minor distance .
