International Kidney Seed Potatoes (First Early)
Solanum tuberosum ‘International Kidney’
£6.95
Available on 31 January 2027Ordering this with other items? It comes as a separate delivery, with its own postage.
International Kidney Seed Potatoes are a first early variety, best known as the potato that becomes the Jersey Royal when grown on Jersey. Long, kidney-shaped tubers with white skin and firm, cream, waxy flesh. Lift from June for new potatoes, or leave a little longer for a fuller crop. Ideal for boiling, steaming and summer salads.
Average Packet Weight: 2kg
Scottish grown in East Lothian
Delivery expected in Late January
Planting Time: March-April | Harvest: June-August.
Seed potatoes are a pre-order and can only be ordered with other seed potato varieties. They will be dispatched from the beginning of January 2027.
Next: plant out from March See the growing calendar
When to grow it
- Plant out: March to April
- Harvest: June to August
International Kidney Seed Potatoes – The Variety Behind the Jersey Royal
International Kidney is a heritage first early, grown in Britain since the 1870s and known the world over under another name: when this variety is grown in the shallow, seaweed-fed soils of Jersey it is sold as the Jersey Royal. Grown at home it produces long, kidney-shaped tubers with pale skin and firm, cream, waxy flesh that holds its shape beautifully in the pan. Lifted early the flavour is at its finest; left in the ground a few weeks longer the tubers grow on and the texture turns floury.
Key Features:
- Heritage First Early: A long-established variety, ready to lift from around 10-12 weeks after planting.
- Waxy Cream Flesh: Firm, close-textured flesh that holds together when boiled or steamed.
- Distinctive Shape: Long, kidney-shaped tubers with pale skin and shallow eyes.
- Renowned Flavour: The variety behind the Jersey Royal, prized for its rich, buttery taste.
Planting and Growing:
- Planting Time: Plant between March and April once the soil has begun to warm.
- Sowing Depth: Plant 15cm deep, with 30cm between tubers and 60cm between rows.
- Growing Tips: Chit before planting to bring the crop forward. Earth up as the foliage grows to protect the tubers from frost and light.
Harvesting:
- Harvest Time: Lift from June through August, around 10-12 weeks after planting. Harvest early for small waxy new potatoes, or leave longer for larger, floury tubers.
Culinary Uses:
- Boiling: Holds its shape well and needs little more than butter and mint.
- Steaming: Retains its firm texture and delicate flavour when steamed whole.
- Salads: Excellent served warm or cold, the waxy flesh staying firm after cooking.
Why Choose International Kidney Seed Potatoes?
International Kidney is the choice for anyone who grows potatoes for flavour rather than bulk. It is the variety behind Britain’s most famous new potato, and grown at home in Scottish-raised seed it gives a crop worth waiting for. Best eaten fresh from the ground, simply cooked, while the tubers are still small.
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