Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes – A Classic First Early Variety with Exceptional Flavour
Introduced to the National Potato Variety List in 1901, Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes have remained a popular choice for over a century. This first early variety is known for its long, oval-shaped tubers with smooth white skin, shallow eyes, and pale lemon-coloured flesh. With a high dry matter content, Sharpes Express delivers a fine, floury texture that is perfect for a wide range of culinary uses.
Key Features:
- First Early Variety: Ready to harvest in just 10-12 weeks, making Sharpes Express one of the earliest cropping varieties.
- Long, Oval Tubers: Produces tubers with white skin, shallow eyes, and pale lemon-coloured flesh, offering an attractive appearance and excellent texture.
- Fine Flavour and High Dry Matter: Known for its fine flavour and high dry matter content, making it perfect for boiling, roasting, and salads.
- Good Disease Resistance: Offers good resistance to common scab, ensuring a healthy and productive crop.
Planting and Growing:
- Planting Time: March to April, when the soil temperature is consistently above 8°C.
- Sowing Depth: Plant 15cm deep with 30cm between tubers and 60cm between rows.
- Growing Tips: Ensure the plants are regularly earthed up to protect tubers from light and frost while encouraging better yields. Water consistently to maintain healthy growth.
Harvesting:
- Harvest Time: June to August, around 10-12 weeks after planting. Once the foliage dies back, leave the tubers in the ground for 2-3 weeks to allow the skins to harden, perfect for storage.
Culinary Uses:
Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes are versatile in the kitchen, offering a fine texture and excellent flavour:
- Boiling: These potatoes hold their shape well when boiled, making them perfect for side dishes or salads.
- Roasting: Achieves a crisp outer skin and fluffy interior when roasted, making them ideal for family meals.
- Salads: With a smooth texture and great flavour, Sharpes Express is ideal for cold potato salads.
Why Choose Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes?
Sharpes Express has been a staple in British gardens since 1901, delivering reliable crops of high-quality tubers. With excellent flavour, fine texture, and good disease resistance, this first early variety is a must-have for any home gardener looking to grow a dependable and delicious potato crop.