Planting and Growing Potatoes for Christmas: A Guide to Five Winter Varieties
August-October is the time to plan ahead for your end of year winter harvests and in particular the Christmas dinner! As the festive season approaches, the joy of homegrown potatoes can elevate your Christmas feast to legendary levels. Whether mashed, roasted, or added to a hearty stew, potatoes offer a versatility that’s hard to beat. This blog will guide you through planting and growing five distinct potato varieties — Charlotte, Foremost, Maris Peer, Pentland Javelin, and Red Duke of York — each bringing unique textures, flavours and looks to your table.
Charlotte
Charlotte potatoes are a popular choice for their waxy texture and subtly sweet, nutty flavor. They are characterised by their smooth, pale yellow skin and creamy yellow flesh. This variety is perfect for boiling and making into delicious potato salads on Boxing Day, as they hold their shape well. When planting Charlottes, ensure they are in well-drained soil and receive plenty of sunlight. These potatoes typically mature in about 12-14 weeks, making them an excellent mid-season choice for Christmas harvest.
Foremost
Foremost potatoes are known for their floury texture and delicate, buttery flavour. With their white skin and flesh, they lend themselves well to boiling and mashing. The fluffy texture makes them a favourite for creating creamy mashed potatoes that pair beautifully with hearty roasts. For best results, plant Foremost potatoes in a sunny spot with rich, loose soil. This variety matures relatively early, around 10-12 weeks, allowing for a timely harvest in late autumn or early winter.
Maris Peer
Maris Peer potatoes boast a firm, waxy texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavour. Their smooth, light brown skin and creamy white flesh make them visually appealing and versatile for various dishes. They are particularly well-suited for roasting, as they hold their shape and develop a delightful crispness. Plant Maris Peer potatoes in well-drained soil with full sunlight exposure. These mid-season potatoes will be ready for harvest in about 14-16 weeks, just in time for your Christmas preparations.
Pentland Javelin
Pentland Javelin potatoes are celebrated for their creamy texture and mild, subtle flavor. They have a smooth, white skin and flesh and this variety excels in versatility, suitable for boiling, roasting, or even making into chips. When planting Pentland Javelin, opt for fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny location. They are an early variety, maturing in approximately 10-12 weeks, enabling you to enjoy them well before the festive season.
Red Duke of York
Red Duke of York potatoes stand out with their vibrant red skin and yellow flesh, offering a visual treat along with their robust, earthy flavour. They have a floury texture, ideal for roasting or making into rich, creamy mash. This variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and requires plenty of sunlight. Red Duke of York potatoes mature in about 12-14 weeks, making them a striking and flavourful addition to your Christmas menu.
Growing your own potatoes can be a rewarding endeavour, especially when it culminates in a sumptuous Christmas meal. Each of these five varieties — Charlotte, Foremost, Maris Peer, Pentland Javelin, and Red Duke of York — brings their unique characteristics to the table, ensuring a diverse culinary experience. By understanding their individual taste, texture and harvesting times, you can plan your planting schedule to ensure a bountiful and delicious Christmas harvest. Happy planting, and may your festive season be filled with the joy of homegrown potato goodness!