EMERALD POTATO
Solanum tuberosum
The Emerald potato is an early variety that forms elongated tubers with yellow skin and flesh. It holds up well to steaming or frying and keeps well.
Not very susceptible to mildew.
Storing potatoes before planting
Unsprouted tubers should be stored on a shelf in a dry, well-ventilated area. They should be left to germinate for 4 to 5 weeks between 5 and 7°C. Be careful not to allow excessive temperature variations. Plants should not be kept in the dark; on the contrary, it is best to germinate them in a well-lit area to obtain short, stocky sprouts.
If storage is to be longer, it is advisable to place them in a dry place at a low temperature (2 to 4°C, frost-free) to maintain the dormant state.
Prepare the soil before planting
You can incorporate manure or organic fertilizer before planting your potatoes.
Sprouting potatoes
Unsprouted tubers should be stored on a shelf in a dry, well-ventilated area. They should be left to germinate for 4 to 5 weeks between 5 and 7°C. Be careful not to allow excessive temperature variations. Plants should not be kept in the dark; on the contrary, it is best to germinate them in a well-lit area to obtain short, stocky sprouts.
Culture Council
Plant in April/May at a depth of 15 cm, spaced 40/50 cm apart in the row, in rows 60/70 cm apart. Exposure: sunny. Soil: deep, fertile and well-loosened.
Earthing up is essential as the stems emerge, to maintain the plants, encourage the development of the tubers and prevent them from turning green. Start earthing up the plants as soon as they reach 25 cm. This involves burying the bottom of the stems by bringing the soil back towards the plant using a hoe. Repeat this operation during the first month of the plant's development. Hoe occasionally between the plants to aerate the soil and eliminate weeds.
Potato harvest
Harvest after approximately 90 days of cultivation from July to September. Wait until the leaves have wilted and harvest the tubers with a digging fork.
Storing potatoes
Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
