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As the vacation season approach , the air meet with anticipation and the aroma offestive goody . While the traditional Christmas dinner is often accomplished with turkey , englut , and cranberry sauce , there ’s one unexpected addition that can truly upgrade the social occasion : Christmas potatoes . These vivacious , ruby - cherry-red potatoes add up a touch ofholiday cheerto any table . If you ’re looking to grow your own Christmas Irish potato for the upcoming festivity , follow thiscomprehensive guideto secure a successful harvest time .
Choosing the Right Variety
The primal togrowing Christmas potatoes liesin select the appropriate variety . The mostpopular choicefor home nurseryman is the Red Norland potato . This variety is sleep with for itsdeep crimson skin , shallow eyes , and firm grain . Other suited varieties include :
Preparing the Soil
Christmas Solanum tuberosum expand in well - drain , loose soilthat is fat inorganic issue . To prepare your soil , espouse these step :
Planting the Potatoes
Once the dirt is devise , it ’s time to plant your Christmas Irish potato :
Watering and Fertilizing
Christmas spud expect consistent watering , especially during hot anddry weather . Water the plants deeply , tolerate the soil to dry out out slightly before watering again . Fertilize the potatoes light every three to four weeks with a balanced fertiliser .
Hilling and Mulching
As theplants grow , it ’s of import to hill them up . Hilling involve mounding grime around the home of the plants to protect the developing tubers from sunshine and pesterer . Additionally , circularize a layer of mulch around the plants tosuppress weedsand retain moisture .
Harvesting Christmas Potatoes
Christmas potatoes are typically ready to harvest inlate summeror early fall . Theexact clock dependson the sort and growing condition . To reap , carefully apprehend up the plant and gently brush off the soil . Store the potatoes in a cool , dark , and well - ventilated property .
Storing and Using Christmas Potatoes
Christmas potatoes have a relativelyshort store life comparedto otherpotato form . put in them in a coolheaded , dark place for up to two calendar month . When using , call off the potatoes well and fudge them like regular potato . They can be boil , roast , mashed , or fry .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Blight : Thisfungal diseasecan causebrown spotson the leaves and tubers . Control blight by using fungicide and avoiding overhead tearing . Potato mallet : These insects can damage the leaves ofpotato plants . contain them by handpicking or using insecticides . Scab : Thisbacterial diseasecauses set up , corky lesion on the Tuber . Prevent strikebreaker bymaintaining practiced ground drainageand using clean seed Irish potato .
In a nutshell: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
Growing Christmas potato is arewarding experiencethat can add a trace of vacation cheer to your table . By watch over these simple steps , you’re able to love thevibrant colorsand delicious flavor of thesefestive spuds . Whether you roil them , laugh at them , or dally them , Christmas potatoes are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations .
Popular Questions
Q : Can Igrow Christmas potatoesin containers?A : Yes , Christmas potatoescan be produce in containers as long as theyprovide passable drainageand sun . Q : How often should I irrigate Christmas potatoes?A : Water thepotatoes deeplyevery 1 - 2 weeks , or more frequently during blistering and ironic weather . Q : Can I eat the leave of absence of Christmas potatoes?A : No , the leaves ofChristmas potatoesare not edible and may hold harmful compounds . Q : Can I useChristmas potatoesas seed potatoes?A : Yes , you could useChristmas potatoesas semen potatoes , but it ’s important toselect healthyand disease - costless genus Tuber . Q : How long doChristmas potatoeslast in storage?A : Christmas potatoeshave a relativelyshort storage lifeof up to two months . Store them in a coolheaded , coloured , and well - ventilated billet .