First Early.
Epicure seed potatoes are also known as 'Ayrshires' with them being the traditional early potato in that particular area. Epicure produces high yields of floury, white fleshed tubers that are round in shape. By far one of the best tasting first earlies which are now making a comeback by popular demand. An old heritage variety, Epicure potatoes have the ability to recover quickly from a nip of frost, which is what makes them so popular in early producing areas (such as Ayrshire).
Good For; Boiling, Mashing and Salads.
2kg Bag - Average 25 tubers.
- Plant first early potato crops from the end of February. Prior to planting, 'chit' the seed potatoes by setting them out in a cool, bright position (10C/ 50F) to allow them to sprout.
- When growing first early potatoes in the ground avoid planting in soil where potatoes have grown for two years in succession to reduce the risk of disease. Prepare the planting area in a sheltered position in full sun on moist well drained soil. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure. Plant potatoes in rows at a spacing of 30cm (12"). Rows should be set out 60cm (2') apart. Place the seed potatoes into 10cm (4") deep trenches and backfill the soil to refill the trenches. When shoots reach 20cm (8"), mound up soil around the shoots leaving just a few cm showing. Repeat this process after a further 3 weeks.
- Where space is limited, try growing potatoes in potato bags on the patio. Fill an 8 litre potato bag to just below the top of the bag with good quality compost mixed with some well rotted manure. Carefully plunge a single chitted potato tuber into the compost with the shoots pointing upwards at a depth of 12cm (5") from the soil surface. Place the bags in a sunny position and water regularly to keep the compost moist.
