Growing Potato for your Christmas Harvest

Cultivating potatoes in containers for a Christmas harvest presents a unique set of considerations. 

This guide outlines the optimal planting timeframe, preferred potato varieties, and effective planting techniques within bags or pots to ensure a successful yield during the festive season.

Planting Schedule:

• Ideal Timing: For a Christmas harvest, aim for a planting window between late July and early August. This timeframe allows for sufficient tuber development before the colder December temperatures.

Variety Selection:

• Early or First Early Varieties: Prioritise early maturing varieties like ‘Charlotte,’ ‘Nicola,’ ‘Maris Peer,’ ‘Arran Pilot,’ or ‘Pentland Javelin.’ These cultivars are renowned for their rapid growth and suitability for container cultivation.
• Cold-Stored Seed Potatoes: Ideally, for a Christmas harvest, utilise cold-stored seed potatoes. These undergo cold storage to delay sprouting and are typically available from seed merchants during July and August.

Chitting (Optional):

Chitting, the process of encouraging pre-planting sprout development, is generally not required for commercially obtained cold-stored seed potatoes. However, if utilising leftover seed potatoes from previous seasons, chitting can be advantageous.

• Chitting Procedure: A few weeks before planting, place the seed potatoes in a cool, well-lit environment (avoid direct sunlight) to stimulate short sprout formation. This initial growth provides a head start for the potatoes.

Planting in Bags or Pots:

1. Container Selection:
   • Minimum Size: Choose a container with a minimum capacity of 30-40 liters (8-10 gallons) per potato plant.
   • Drainage: Ensure the bag possesses adequate drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
2. Potting Mix: Fill the container with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Consider incorporating a slow-release fertiliser into the mix for sustained nutrient delivery.
3. Seed Potato Preparation: Larger potatoes can be cut into sections, ensuring each piece contains at least one “eye” (sprout).
4. Planting: Position the seed potato pieces cut-side up, approximately 10cm (4 inches) deep in the potting mix.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, avoiding waterlogging.
6. Earthing Up (Optional): As the plants mature, progressively add more potting mix around the base to bury the lower stems. This technique encourages increased tuber formation.

Additional Considerations:

• Sunlight: Locate the container in a sunny position receiving at least 6-8 hours of daily sunlight for optimal growth.
• Feeding: Supplement with a liquid fertiliser solution every few weeks during the growing period to promote healthy development.
• Frost Protection: Implement frost protection measures (fleece or straw) if frost is anticipated before harvest.
• Harvesting: Potatoes are ready for harvest when the foliage begins to die back. Carefully tip the container over or gently dig your hand in to locate mature tubers.