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Potatoes 'Alpha'

Potatoes 'Alpha'

Product number: 406930.1
Origin: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Mexico
Latin: Solanum tuberosum

(1925) Parents: Paul Krüger x Preferent
A historic variety from breeder J.C. Drost. This oval-round variety yields a large crop and is therefore still popular with growers worldwide. They grow in Northern Europe as well as around the Mediterranean and in Mexico. The tubers have a light brown skin, light yellow flesh and are slightly floury, meaning they are quite firm when cooked. This makes them versatile: boiled, baked, mashed, you name it... The taste is light and accessible.
SPECIAL VARIETIES LIKE THESE ARE SUPPLIED IN MIXED SIZES; THERE MAY BE (VERY) LARGE TUBERS AMONG THEM, WHICH YOU CAN PLANT WHOLE OR CUT INTO PIECES WITH SPROUTS.

MAIN CROP VARIETY FOR CONNOISSEURS.
A main crop variety means it can be harvested from September. Early planting can advance harvest by a few weeks. Planting time is from mid-April, when the soil is warm enough. Pre-sprouting in light or in a large pot can be done earlier. Do not plant them in too wet a spot, but ensure they get plenty of sun. Main crop varieties can suffer from the dreaded potato blight (Phytophthora infestans). Some preventive measures include: spacious planting, fertilizing with patentkali, avoiding watering the plant from above, and possibly organic spraying with sulfur or silinal. The average planting distance is 70x40 cm; we recommend 80x40 cm to prevent diseases.

Denominations:
Latin: Solanum tuberosum
Dutch: Aardappel
English: Potato

Planting time:

April
May

Soil type:

All soil types

Location:

Flower colour: Light purple with white
Average growth height: 60 to 90 cm
Bulb / tuber size: Varies
Attractive to insects: N/A
Annual or perennial: Perennial
Winter hardy: Not frost hardy
Origin: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Mexico
Ease of cultivation: Moderate

Latin: Solanum tuberosum
Dutch: Potato
Also known as: N/A
English: Potato

“These potatoes don’t taste like they used to…” Does that lament sound familiar? Perhaps you lived (and tasted!) more intensely in the past, but when it comes to those old forgotten varieties, we have good news for you: they’re back, those spuds of yesteryear! Old varieties from before 1950 with special flavours, unique colours, and unusual shapes. How wonderful it would be if all those historical varieties were available on a special shelf at the greengrocer… but for now, you’ll have to grow them yourself (or have them grown) for this “new” culinary journey of discovery. Just a culinary tip: because of their unique colour or shape, don't peel them, but clean them thoroughly and cook them whole; often, the colour is retained after cooking, and presentation matters, doesn't it? In the English tradition, harvested potatoes are neatly cleaned and displayed in baskets. You could further enhance this harvest presentation with unusual cucumbers, multi-coloured Swiss chard, pumpkins, red kale, blue corn: “browse” our seed guides for all those special (old but now trendy) vegetables. Potatoes that have been displayed for a while will slowly turn green and are then no longer edible. For the grower, it’s important to know that these old varieties are more susceptible to disease: plant them with ample space and keep a close eye on them. A fun tip: just plant at least 5 varieties, they are packaged in small portions (1 kg), and place a clear sign next to each type. Cook and taste them separately, turn it into a “Van Gogh Potato Eaters Feast”… Do you know a “forgotten” variety? Let us know. All that remains is to wish you a very good harvest and (for later): bon appétit!