The Vitelotte potato is a medium-early, low-yielding variety. It's an oblong, bumpy potato recognizable by its thick, dark blue, almost black skin. This variety gets its purple color from its high anthocyanin content, pigments with antioxidant properties. Its firm purple flesh retains its color when cooked, making it an excellent choice for cooking. It keeps well and is mainly eaten in salads.

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 120 days of cultivation from July to September. Wait until the leaves have wilted and harvest the tubers with a garden fork.

Storing potatoes

Store in a cool, dry place away from light.