Vroege aardappelen

Solanum tuberosum

Engels: Early potatoes

vegetableSolanaceaeEetbaar

Vroege aardappelen (Solanum tuberosum) is a edible vegetable from the Solanaceae family that grows up to 60cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moderate maintenance. Blooms in summer with white, purple flowers and attracts bees.

Hoogte

30–60 cm

Breedte

40–60 cm

Zonligging

full sun

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, sandy soil

Onderhoud

moderate maintenance

Bloeitijd

summer

Bloemkleuren

white, purple

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
🌱Planten
💧Bemesten

Care tips

Planting

Early potatoes are planted from seed tubers (small whole potatoes or pieces with at least two eyes) in March or April, as soon as the soil has warmed to around 7°C and the worst frosts have passed. Choose a site in full sun with well-drained loam or sandy soil; heavy clay should be improved with organic matter and grit to prevent waterlogging, which causes tubers to rot. Avoid ground where potatoes, tomatoes, or other Solanaceae have grown in the past two years to reduce disease risk. Prepare the soil a few weeks ahead by digging in well-rotted compost or manure to a spade's depth. Early potatoes are traditionally planted in trenches about 12 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart within the row and 50–60 cm between rows. Place each tuber with the eyes (sprouting points) facing upwards, then cover with soil. Some gardeners prefer to "chit" seed potatoes indoors for a few weeks beforehand—stand them rose-end up in egg boxes in a cool, light place until short, sturdy shoots appear—but this is optional. Immediately after planting, rake the soil level and water gently if conditions are dry. As the shoots emerge and reach about 20 cm tall, begin earthing up: draw soil from between the rows up around the stems to form a ridge. This protects developing tubers from light (which turns them green and toxic), encourages more tubers to form, and offers some frost protection. Repeat earthing up once or twice more as the foliage grows, leaving just the top leaves exposed. Mulching the ridges with straw can help suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Pruning

Early potatoes do not require pruning in the conventional sense. The foliage is left to grow unchecked throughout the season because the leaves are essential for photosynthesis, which fuels tuber development underground. Removing healthy stems or leaves will reduce your yield significantly, so resist any temptation to tidy the plants or cut back vigorous growth. What does need attention is the removal of flowers if they appear in summer. Early potato varieties often produce small white or purple blooms, but allowing them to set seed diverts energy away from tuber production. Pinch or snip off flower buds as soon as you notice them, using your fingers or secateurs. This is a minor task and won't take long, but it can modestly improve the size and quality of your crop. You should also watch for and remove any damaged, yellowing, or obviously diseased foliage as the season progresses. If you spot signs of blight—dark blotches on leaves, white mould on undersides, or blackening stems—cut away affected growth immediately and bin it (do not compost). In severe cases, cut all the foliage down to ground level and remove it to prevent the disease spreading to the tubers below; wait at least two weeks before lifting the crop to allow skins to set. The main "pruning" event is haulm removal at harvest time. Once the foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally (usually 10–12 weeks after planting for earlies), cut the stems down to soil level and compost healthy material. Leave the tubers in the ground for another week or so to let the skins harden before lifting.

Maintenance

Water early potatoes regularly once the foliage emerges, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In dry spells from late April through June, water deeply once or twice a week; inconsistent watering can lead to misshapen tubers or scab. Reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back, as tubers are nearly mature and excess moisture at this stage increases the risk of rot. Feed in April and May using a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or one higher in potassium to promote tuber development. Apply a granular feed when earthing up, or use a liquid tomato feed every two weeks once plants are established. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of tubers. Early potatoes are not overwintered; they are a spring-planted, early-summer crop. Lift them as soon as the foliage dies back or when tubers are large enough to use—usually from late June onwards. Use a fork to dig carefully from the side of the ridge to avoid spearing the tubers. Eat earlies fresh; their thin skins mean they do not store well. Watch for potato blight, especially in warm, humid weather. This fungal disease spreads rapidly and can devastate a crop. Inspect plants regularly and remove affected foliage immediately. Slugs and wireworms can damage tubers underground; reduce slug populations with traps or barriers, and avoid planting in recently grassed areas where wireworm is common. Colorado beetle is a notifiable pest in the UK and must be reported if found. Mulch around plants with straw or compost to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and keep soil temperatures stable.