Many summer residents want to get young potatoes faster in the summer, and therefore prefer to plant the early varieties of this crop in their garden. The variety of such varieties can confuse even the most experienced gardeners, so you should figure out how they differ, and which variety will give a really good harvest.
Classification of early varieties
Today, there are more than 4,000 potato varieties bred by breeders. To simplify the choice of culture for planting, they are classified according to several parameters. One of the most important is the ripening period. This period is the time during which the first seedlings ripen in a full crop.
By maturity, potatoes are divided into several types:
- ultra early (early) - from 35 to 50 days;
- precocious - from 50 to 65 days;
- medium early - from 65 to 80 days;
- mid-season - from 80 to 95 days;
- medium-late - from 95 to 110 days;
- late - from 110-120 or more days.
The early three varieties include the first three types, namely: ultra-early, early-ripening and mid-early. Such potatoes are great for growing in southern and steppe regions. They bear fruit before the first summer heat.
The best ultra early varieties
These are plants with the shortest growing season. They land already in late April - early May, when the temperature of the soil warms up to 8-10 degrees. Ultra-early potatoes are distinguished by a rich nutritional composition, taste and marketability. These are several varieties at once.
Timo
This is an early ripe table potato that can be grown in all regions of Russia. It has a high resistance to potato cancer and other dangerous diseases. Productivity is quite high - from 350 to 600 centners per 1 ha. Tubers grow medium in size, have a rounded shape and light skin. Subject to long storage.
Riviera
Refers to table varieties of Dutch selection. It is characterized by increased resistance to viral diseases, nematodes and late blight, and also average resistance to leaf twisting and late blight of the pulp.
The plant has a high yield - 400 centners per 1 ha. As a rule, 12 tubers grow in one nest. Under favorable conditions, the crop can be harvested 2 times, especially when grown in the southern regions. The plant actively grows at the beginning of development, even under the film.
Potatoes are characterized by excellent taste, oval shape, large size. The color of their skin is yellow with a slight roughness, and the flesh is light yellow, slightly darkening after cooking. It has a low dry matter concentration of 17.7%.
Lapis lazuli
This is a Belarusian variety that is not afraid of a nematode. From one hundredth you can collect up to 259 centners of the crop. The skin of the tubers is yellow and the flesh is white. They have a low starch content - from 13 to 15.7%. The plant fully ripens in 55 days, but you can start digging up tubers already on the 45th day.
Ariel
Refers to table varieties. The plant is not susceptible to viruses, nematodes and leaf twisting. However, it must be taken into account that the variety has medium resistance to common scab and tuber late blight, as well as weak resistance to leaf blight. A plant can produce up to 2 crops.
The pulp and skin of the tubers has a light yellow color, which does not darken even after cooking. Potatoes are oval, subject to long-term storage. They have a low dry matter content of 18.7%.
Veneta
Refers to German super-early varieties. It has a stable immune system and high resistance to many diseases. It gives a stable crop - up to 400 centners per 1 ha. The bushes of the plant grow upright, sprawling and stunted. During flowering, they are covered with snow-white corollas. From one bush you can collect 15 tubers that have good marketability and can be stored for a long time. Potatoes have an oval-round shape of medium size. The skin color is yellow with a mesh structure. The pulp is characterized by weak placers.
Impala
This table variety is often grown precisely in the southern regions, as it can develop well under almost any climatic conditions, that is, during drought, and with heavy rainfall. Since it quickly ripens and uses the spring supply of moisture, it gives a good harvest - from one tall bush you can collect 10-12 tubers. In general, from 1 ha, 180-360 centners of yield are obtained.
Ripened tubers have an oval and elongated-oval shape, weight 88-150 g and a light yellow flesh that does not darken after cooking. The level of starch is 10.5-14.6%, and the dry matter is 17.7%. It is highly resistant to diseases, and medium to viruses.
The best early ripening varieties
They are characterized by increased resistance to fungal and other diseases. Prepared for planting in early April - a month before planting in open ground. So, tubers with sprouts are planted in the soil in early May. With regard to the disadvantages, it can be noted low or medium starch content, therefore, during cooking, the potatoes remain solid. The most popular varieties of this category can be found below.
Zhukovsky early
This is a variety of domestic breeders that ripens in 60 days and gives an excellent harvest - from 400 to 600 centners per 1 ha, and can grow in various soils and climatic zones. Such potatoes have the following characteristics:
- oval shape;
- large sizes - from 100 to 150 g;
- starch content - 15%;
- smooth surface, pink or beige peel and white flesh, which does not darken when cutting and does not boil during cooking;
- excellent marketability and taste (great for making chips);
- resistance to cancer, golden nematode, scab, rhizoctoniosis and other diseases;
- tolerates drought and low temperatures;
- in conditions of moderate temperature and humidity can lie until mid-spring.
You can plant potatoes even in early April, but in order to protect against frost, it is worth covering the seedlings with agrofibre, which also helps to maintain a normal soil temperature. It should be removed after the threat of frost and lower air temperatures.
Izora
Refers to table crop varieties. Ripens in 55-65 days. Bushes grow medium height, leaves are slightly dissected. Corollas appear moderately and have a white color. The plant is distinguished by a thick stem, which is colored anthocyanin along the entire length.
The variety bears fruit with round white tubers, which are covered with medium-depth eyes. The pulp is white. The starch level is from 9.8 to 12.1%, and the protein is from 1.5 to 1.7%. Tubers can be stored for a long time, highly resistant to cancer, but less so to viral diseases. Most often, they suffer from late blight and rhizoctoniosis.
Antonina
Often grown in the West Siberian region. It is a table variety of domestic selection. Tubers are obtained weighing from 104 to 153 g, oval in shape with light yellow flesh and slightly rough skin. The average yield is from 210-300 to 426 centners per 1 ha. In one bush grows from 6 to 10 tubers. The starch content is relatively large - from 15.9 to 19.4%. Potatoes can be stored for a long time.
Fortress
Great for landing in the Central Region. Bushes grow medium in height, sprawling and stalk-type. The leaves of the plant have a light green color, medium size and moderately pronounced dissection.
The variety bears fruit with smooth oval tubers weighing up to 130 g, which are covered with light beige skin with predominantly small eyes. The color of the pulp is creamy, and the starch content is up to 11.2%. About 1 ha can be harvested from 1 ha, and one bush brings 7-8 tubers. It is characterized by increased safety - about 97%.
Anosta
This is a table variety of Dutch selection that bears fruit tubers. The bush is of medium height, moderately or well leafy. As a rule, the stem has a green color, and at the base is colored with anthocyanin. The color of the whisk is white.
The tubers are light yellow and rounded oval. They have small eyes. The pulp itself has a yellow tint. The mass of one fetus is from 71 to 134 g, the level of starchiness is from 12.7 to 15%, and the protein content is from 1.3 to 1.9%.
Among the shortcomings, one can note a strong susceptibility of tops to late blight (tubers are more resistant). In addition, it is characterized by moderate resistance to scab and viral diseases. Almost not affected by cancer and nematode.
Arrow
Belongs to high-yielding varieties of table destination. It is distinguished by its excellent presentation, does not darken after cooking and does not boil. The tubers are large and oval in shape, covered with yellow peel, and the pulp itself is white. The dry matter concentration is 18%.
Tubers are rarely affected by late blight, scab and nematode. More often the plant suffers from late blight of the tops and Y-virus.
Kholmogorsky
This is an early ripe hybrid for table use, which blooms with lilac flowers and brings red tubers. They have a mass of up to 90-120 g, oval shape, smooth skin with superficial eyes and flesh of a light yellow color, not darkening during cooking and cutting. The average yield is up to 392 centners per 1 ha.
The plant is not afraid of cancer, golden nematode and severe viral diseases. It has an average resistance to scab and rhizoctonia. Tops and tubers can be affected by late blight, so proper chemical treatment is required.
The best mid-early varieties
On average, you can get an excellent harvest of medium-early potatoes on the 70th day. Such varieties are highly resistant to infections, except late blight. They have excellent commercial qualities, so they can be grown for sale.
Gala
This table variety is bred by German breeders and is grown in many regions of Russia. It allows you to get a quality crop in almost any soil and climatic conditions, but it is required to carry out all agricultural activities correctly.
Gala has the following characteristics:
- the average yield of 250 centners per 1 ha, but you can collect up to 420 centners;
- the bushes grow of medium length, the leaves are large, and the flowering is weak (white corollas);
- the mass of tubers is 80-130 g, the shape is round, even;
- the skin is yellowish with shallow eyes, and the color of the flesh can vary from light yellow to dark yellow;
- tubers are well suited for mechanical cleaning, do not darken and do not boil;
- low starchiness - 11-13%, therefore it is often included in the diet;
- commercial qualities - up to 96%, so potatoes can be stored and transported for a long time.
The plant is well resistant to scab, but is often affected by late blight and rhizoctonia.
14 days before harvesting, it is recommended to completely remove the tops to extend the shelf life of the potatoes in good condition.
Red scarlet
It is one of the most popular red-skinned table potatoes, which is often grown in the Central and Southern regions. It was bred by Dutch breeders. In addition, productivity is attractive - from 1 ha you can collect 400-660 centners of tubers. On average, their size is from 85 to 120 g. They have an oblong shape, smooth even skin, small eyes and yellow flesh. Do not change their color either during mechanical damage or after cooking.
Such potatoes are resistant to many diseases. So, he is not afraid of cancer, nematodes, late blight and leaf twisting. In addition, the plant develops well in dry summers. The disadvantage can be considered slightly below average resistance to viruses and scab.
Children’s
Refers to fruitful table varieties with a growing season of 110-115 days. The bush grows medium height with a painted stem and well leafy. White corollas appear. In general, the plant blooms profusely, but not for long.
The tubers themselves are formed of medium size - from 85 to 120 g. The starch content in them is 12-18%, and the protein is 1.7-2%. They have a light pink smooth skin and flat oval shape. The pulp is white, but with small eyes. The plant is not afraid of cancer, but can be infected with late blight, scab and S.
Amorosa
It is also a variety of table destination, which is distinguished by excellent taste and good presentation. Gives the best yield with optimal moisture. Ripened tubers are oval in shape, large in size, red skin and yellow flesh. The dry matter level in them is 19.5%.
The variety is resistant to Y-virus, leaf twisting, tubal late blight. As a rule, it is affected by common scab, but late blight of the tops is more common.
Marfona
This variety bears fruit in beautiful homogeneous tubers that have medium-depth eyes, an oval shape, a yellow skin and a light yellow pulp that does not cook during cooking. The dry matter level is 18.7%. Tubers are not afraid of mechanical damage and can be stored for a long time.
The plant can develop in conditions of high temperature of air and soil. At the same time, it exhibits resistance to viruses and late blight of tubers. Twisting of leaves and scab is a great threat, and a nematode is even greater.
Romano
Variety bred in the Netherlands. Bushes grow tall and leafy. The flowers have a red-violet color. The stem is straight and moderately stained with anthocyanin. The plant bears fruit with oval tubers weighing 120-180 g, starchiness 10.5-13.8%, and protein content from 1.75 to 2.1%. Their peel is pink, and the flesh is light cream.
The plant shows high resistance to cancer and Y-virus, medium to leaf curl, and weak to late blight. To get a good harvest, you can not do without additional processing.
Adretta
This table variety was brought to Russia from Germany. Its characteristics are as follows:
- average productivity - 450 centners per 1 ha;
- medium-sized bush with white corollas;
- the tubers are oval and weigh 120-140 g;
- the peel is yellow and rare small eyes are found on it;
- the average level of starch is 16%.
The plant is resistant to low temperatures and rot, but can be affected by scab, late blight, blackleg and rhizoctonia.
Like other mid-early varieties, Adrett should not be overexposed in the soil to prevent the beginning of rotting of tubers during heavy autumn rains.
A selection of popular early varieties
Breeders bred a huge number of early varieties. More often than others, gardeners prefer to plant the following crops:
- Bellarosa. It tolerates drought and is suitable for growing on various types of soils. The bushes grow tall, and the flowers turn red-violet. The tubers have a round shape, pink peel and light yellow flesh. Productivity is good - from 320 centners per 1 ha. It has a high resistance to viral diseases.
- Luck. It attracts gardeners in that it guarantees the yield of marketable tubers up to 100% if planted in well-warmed soil. The bushes are medium tall and have white flowers. Productivity is high - 430 centners per 1 ha, and 10-15 tubers can be collected from one bush. The plant bears fruit oval shaped tubers, weighing 100-150 g, starchiness 11-15%. They have a light yellow skin and white flesh.
- Visa. Great for growing in the Northern and Volga-Vyatka regions. Productivity is high - up to 500 kg / ha. Fruits oval-round tubers with a smooth red peel, bright yellow or pink pulp and a small number of medium sized eyes. Average safety - 89%. Potatoes are great for preparing side dishes and main dishes.
- Odysseus. Selected for landing in the Central and Central Black Earth regions.Fruits in oval-rounded tubers weighing 95-110 g, with a yellow peel and the same flesh. A maximum of 1 ha can be harvested 300 centners of the crop. Safety is high - 93%.
- White Night. This is a table variety that ripens in 65-80 days. The bush has an average height, a straight stem, a dissected leaf and a white corolla. Blooms weakly and for a short time. The tubers are white, round, with medium-depth eyes and creamy flesh. On average, they weigh 129-215 g. Starchiness - from 10.6 to 16.9%. The plant can be affected by late blight, less often - viral diseases, but is resistant to cancer.
- Karatop. This is a high-yielding variety, which in 50-70 days after planting allows you to collect about 450 c tubers from 1 ha. They have a small weight (90-100 g), oval-round shape, yellow peel with small eyes and pale yellow flesh. After cooking, the tubers retain a pleasant solid structure and a yellowish tint. The starch level is 14.4%. The plant is resistant to viruses and diseases, including nematode and cancer.
- Nevsky. It is one of the most productive Russian varieties - with proper care from one bush, you can get 8-15 tubers, which is proportional to 1.5 kg. The bushes grow medium height with lots of leaves and white flowers. The tubers are oval, weighing 90-130 g, light yellow skin and creamy flesh. They are characterized by early germination of the sprouts, so they should be stored at low temperatures. The plant is well resistant to disease and is more often affected by viruses.
Also, farmers often plant such early varieties of potatoes as:
- Rocco. Fruits in red oval potatoes that have creamy flesh. From 1 ha, you can collect up to 400 centners of the crop. The plant itself is medium and upright. Flowering is absent altogether or rare. Emerging flowers have a red-violet color.
- Aurora. It belongs to table varieties that give a good harvest - from 1 ha, on average, you can collect 300-400 q of crop, with one bush of 20-40 tubers. They have a mass of 90-130 g, a light brown skin with red spots and creamy flesh. The plant is resistant to disease and is more often affected by viruses. Bushes grow tall or very tall, covered with red-violet flowers.
- The wizard. This is a mid-early variety from domestic breeders that tolerates hot climatic conditions. The tubers grow in medium size - 75-120 g. They have an oval shape, a smooth yellow peel and white flesh. Productivity is low - from 270 to 350 centners of yield per 1 ha. Grade advantage - high keeping quality (95%). The plant shows moderate susceptibility to the nematode, but is not afraid of late blight.
- The riddle of Peter. The most popular variety in the North-West region of Russia. The tubers are distinguished by a specific elongated oval shape. The skin color is pink and the flesh is cream pink. The potato has a sweetish aftertaste. Productivity is small - from 180 to 300 kg / ha.
- Maestro. This is a table variety with a low starch content - about 12%. The yield is small - up to 155 centners per 1 ha. Fruits in medium-sized tubers with white flesh and light brown peel.
- Colombo. Refers to ultra-early varieties. Bred in the Netherlands. It gives a good harvest - 400 centners per 1 ha. The plant is medium-sized with white flowers. Fruits oval tubers of large and medium size. They have a light yellow smooth skin and yellow flesh, which slightly crumbles during cooking. You can store for six months.
- Scarb. Belarusian variety, which has a stable yield - from 500 to 600 centners per 1 ha. The plant grows slowly and unevenly, but gradually gaining strength and becomes medium growth. White flowers appear. It is resistant to scab, blackleg and viruses, but does not tolerate drought, and even worse - waterlogging of the soil at the beginning of development and late blight. The tubers have a dense smooth skin and soft yellow pulp, which is slightly digested.
- Tuleevsky. Bred by Russian breeders. Brings a good harvest - 420 centners per 1 ha. The bushes grow medium tall and are abundantly covered with white flowers. Tubers ripen large, have an oval shape, mesh skin and yellowish flesh with an average starch content. The variety is practically not exposed to viral diseases, scab, cancer, late blight and alternariosis.
- Uladar. It is a Belarusian variety that has excellent resistance to diseases and mechanical damage, however, it can be affected by the Colorado potato beetle and requires full compliance with agricultural technology. Productivity is good - 500-600 centners per 1 ha. About 8-12 potatoes with a smooth yellow skin and pale yellow pulp, which is slightly digested, ripen on one nest. The plant itself grows of medium height and is covered with violet-reddish flowers.
- Breeze. Belongs to the Belarusian varieties and is characterized by high productivity - about 600 centners per 1 ha. It tolerates mechanical damage and many diseases, except for the golden nematode. The tubers grow quite large - up to 155 g. They have an oval shape, yellow skin with a weak retina. The pulp itself is yellow and practically does not boil.
- Colette. This variety comes from Germany. Harvesting can be done 75 days after planting. From 1 ha, about 550 cc of potatoes are obtained. They have an elongated shape, a yellow smooth skin and a yellowish pulp, which boils little and is great for making chips. The plant itself is medium-sized and covered with large red-violet flowers. It has a high resistance to the nematode.
- Laura. The German variety, which is distinguished by tall and sprawling bushes with colorful flowering. So, they can replace various flowers - from white to light purple. The plant is picky, but does not tolerate drought. The average yield is 300-400 kg / ha, and from one nest you can collect up to 20 fruits. The tubers have an elongated oval shape, red skin and richly yellow flesh. They can be stored without loss for six months.
The best varieties for different geographical locations
The variety of early varieties is striking. To simplify their choice, we can proceed from which varieties are more suitable for cultivation in certain regions.
The best varieties for central Russia:
- Friendly;
- Ural early;
- Luck;
- Sosnovsky;
- Belorussian;
- Slav;
- Vyatka.
For cultivation in the suburbs it is worth choosing varieties that are highly resistant to disease and unpretentious to weather conditions. These include:
- Spring;
- Zhukovsky;
- Timo;
- Nevsky
- Lugovskoy.
If potatoes are grown in the Northwest regions, then they must be resistant to soil and climatic conditions. Based on this criterion, it is worth choosing the following varieties:
- Amorosis;
- Zhukovsky early;
- Impala
- Karatop;
- Latona;
- Prigoy 2;
- Fresco;
- Adretta;
- Christmas;
- Sante
- Aurora;
- Romano
So, early varieties of potatoes are presented in a wide variety. In turn, they are divided into ultra-early, precocious and mid-early. In order to accurately get a good crop, experienced gardeners recommend immediately planting several different varieties on one site. You can harvest early potatoes for food already with green tops, when the peel is still very thin.