Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop Potatoes FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Maincrop Potatoes in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to Plant Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes are typically planted in April, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. It’s beneficial to chit the seed potatoes beforehand, encouraging the sprouts to grow before planting. Plant the chitted potatoes about 10-15 cm deep and 30 cm apart, with rows spaced 75 cm apart to give the plants plenty of room to develop. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and be prepared to earth up the soil around the stems as the plants grow to protect the developing tubers from light and prevent them from turning green.

How to Grow Maincrop Potatoes

Growing maincrop potatoes requires a bit more time and space, but the rewards are well worth it. Start by enriching the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to ensure good drainage and fertility. After planting, water the seed potatoes well and continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells. As the plants grow, earth up the soil around the stems to cover the lower leaves, which helps protect the tubers and supports the plant. Maincrop potatoes benefit from a longer growing season, so patience is key. Regular watering and mulching will help ensure a healthy, abundant crop.

How Long Does It Take to Harvest Maincrop Potatoes?

Maincrop potatoes typically take around 18 to 22 weeks to mature, with harvesting usually taking place from late August through September. The plants will flower mid-season, but it’s best to leave the tubers in the ground until the foliage begins to die back. This allows the potatoes to fully mature and develop thicker skins, which are ideal for storage. To harvest, carefully dig up the tubers with a fork, allowing them to dry in the sun for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dark place. Properly stored maincrop potatoes can last for several months, providing a reliable source of food through the winter.

Why Grow Maincrop Potatoes?

Growing maincrop potatoes offers several advantages. They produce larger tubers and higher yields than early varieties, making them ideal for bulk harvesting and storage. The versatility of maincrop potatoes in the kitchen is unmatched—they are perfect for everything from roasting to baking, and their thicker skins make them excellent for storing. Maincrop varieties are also more resistant to pests and diseases, such as potato blight, due to their longer growing season and thicker foliage. For gardeners looking to grow a substantial and versatile crop, maincrop potatoes are an essential part of the garden.

Where Can You Grow Maincrop Potatoes?

Maincrop potatoes require more space than early varieties, so they are best suited to traditional garden beds or large raised beds. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they need plenty of room to develop large tubers. If space is limited, maincrop potatoes can also be grown in large containers or grow bags, although the yield may be smaller. Proper spacing and regular maintenance are key to ensuring a successful crop. With the right care, maincrop potatoes can be grown in most UK gardens, providing a hearty and long-lasting harvest.

Why Maincrop Potatoes from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Maincrop Potatoes.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.