SECOND EARLIERS BRITISH QUEEN 5 KG BAG

British Queen Seed Potatoes Planting Guide

British Queen is a classic second early variety of seed potato, celebrated for its excellent taste, texture, and reliable yield. With its distinct waxy texture and smooth, pale skin, the British Queen is a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. Whether you’re new to growing potatoes or a seasoned gardener, British Queen offers an easy and rewarding growing experience.

Why Choose British Queen Seed Potatoes?

British Queen is renowned for its exceptional flavor and versatility in the kitchen. It produces medium to large-sized potatoes with a smooth, waxy texture, making it perfect for boiling, steaming, and making potato salads. If you're looking for a reliable and consistent variety, British Queen is an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

• Harvest Time: Approximately 14–16 weeks after planting.
• Height: Typically reaches 50–60cm (20–24 inches).
• Spread: Grows to around 30–40cm (12–16 inches) in width.
• Texture: Waxy, ideal for boiling and steaming.
• Culinary Uses: Perfect for mashed potatoes, boiled dishes, and potato salads.
• Storage: Best eaten fresh, but stores well for a short period in a cool, dry place.

How to Plant British Queen Seed Potatoes

Planting British Queen seed potatoes is simple and straightforward, ensuring an enjoyable growing experience and a bountiful harvest.

Pre-Planting Preparation

1. Chitting: To give your seed potatoes the best start, "chit" them before planting. This means placing them in a light, cool spot with the "eyes" facing upward for 2-4 weeks before planting. This encourages sprouting and helps the plants grow faster.

2. Soil Preparation: Select a well-drained, sunny spot with rich, fertile soil. Ensure the soil has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

Planting Instructions

1. When to Plant: British Queen seed potatoes should be planted in mid to late spring, ideally between late March and early April. Wait until the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed.

2. Planting Depth and Spacing:

   • Spacing: Space your seed potatoes 25–30cm (10–12 inches) apart in rows to allow ample room for tuber development.
   • Row Spacing: Keep the rows approximately 60cm (24 inches) apart to ensure enough space for healthy growth.
   • Planting Depth: Plant the potatoes 10–15cm (4–6 inches) deep, ensuring that the sprouted eyes are facing upwards.

Maintenance Tips for British Queen Potatoes

Watering and Feeding

• Watering: British Queen potatoes need consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during the flowering and tuber-forming stages. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer or a potato-specific feed when the plants are around 15–20cm (6–8 inches) high. Follow up with a high-potassium fertilizer once the plants start flowering, as this encourages tuber formation and improves overall potato quality.

Earthing Up and Mulching

• Earthing Up: As your British Queen potatoes grow, "earth up" the soil around the plants by mounding it up around the stems. This helps to protect the tubers from exposure to sunlight, preventing them from turning green and becoming toxic.

• Mulching: Apply mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent.

Pest and Disease Control

• Blight and Pests: While British Queen is fairly resistant to blight, it’s important to regularly inspect your plants for signs of pest damage or disease. Remove any infected leaves or plants to prevent the spread of disease.

• Weeding: Weeds can compete with your potatoes for nutrients and water, so it’s essential to keep the area around your plants clear. Be careful when weeding around the base to avoid damaging the roots or tubers.

Harvesting and Storing British Queen Potatoes

When to Harvest

• British Queen potatoes are typically ready for harvest around 14–16 weeks after planting. You'll know they’re ready when the plants start to flower, and the foliage begins to die back.

• The best time to harvest is when the foliage has completely yellowed, and the skins of the potatoes are firm to the touch.

How to Harvest

• Carefully dig around the base of the plant using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the tubers. Gently lift the potatoes from the soil, making sure to leave any smaller potatoes in place for another harvest.

• Allow the potatoes to dry for a few hours in a cool, dry location before storing them.

Storing British Queen Potatoes

• While British Queen potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area for a few weeks. Use a mesh bag or a crate for optimal airflow to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to rotting.

Why Grow British Queen Seed Potatoes?

British Queen seed potatoes offer excellent yield and flavor, making them a must-have for any vegetable garden. With their waxy texture and versatility in cooking, they are ideal for a range of dishes, especially for boiling or steaming. Easy to grow and maintain, British Queen provides a satisfying and productive crop for gardeners of all levels.

• Early Harvest: Enjoy your homegrown potatoes sooner with a second early variety.
• High-Quality Yield: Produces large, smooth potatoes with a waxy texture.
• Perfect for Cooking: Great for boiling, mashing, or making fresh potato salads.

Growing British Queen seed potatoes in your garden is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a delicious crop that will enhance any meal

• Size
  5kg

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.