Rocket Seed Potatoes – A Quick Bulking First Early Variety
Rocket Seed Potatoes, first released in 1987, are one of the quickest bulking varieties among all early potatoes. Known for producing uniform round tubers in large quantities, Rocket quickly became a favourite for home gardeners looking for a reliable, early-season crop. With shallow eyes, smooth white skin, and mild-flavoured white flesh, Rocket is a versatile variety perfect for boiling, roasting, and salads.
Key Features:
- First Early Variety: Ready to harvest in just 10-12 weeks, making Rocket one of the earliest cropping varieties.
- Uniform Round Tubers: Produces large crops of uniform, round potatoes with smooth white skin and shallow eyes.
- Mild Flavour: The white flesh has a mild, pleasant taste, ideal for a wide range of culinary uses.
- Good Disease Resistance: Offers good resistance to blackleg, common scab, and sprain, ensuring a healthy and productive crop.
- Harvest Early to Prevent Cracking: Harvesting Rocket potatoes before they reach full maturity is recommended to avoid tuber cracking.
Planting and Growing:
- Planting Time: March to April, once the soil temperature reaches above 8°C.
- Sowing Depth: Plant 15cm deep with 30cm between tubers and 60cm between rows.
- Growing Tips: Water consistently throughout the growing season to prevent stress and encourage uniform tuber development. Earth up plants regularly to protect tubers from light and late frosts.
Harvesting:
- Harvest Time: June to August, approximately 10-12 weeks after planting. For the best results, harvest before full maturity to prevent tubers from cracking.
Culinary Uses:
Rocket Seed Potatoes are highly versatile and suitable for various culinary applications:
- Boiling: These potatoes maintain their shape and texture well when boiled, making them ideal for salads or side dishes.
- Salads: Their mild flavour and firm texture make them a perfect choice for cold potato salads.
- Roasting: Achieves a crispy skin and fluffy interior when roasted, perfect for family dinners.
Why Choose Rocket Seed Potatoes?
Rocket Seed Potatoes are a dependable first early variety, providing large, uniform crops that are quick to bulk and easy to harvest. Their mild flavour, combined with good resistance to common diseases, makes Rocket an ideal choice for home gardeners seeking an early, high-yielding potato variety.
