Potato 'Arran Pilot'

First Early

A traditional favourite producing white fleshed tubers of firm waxy texture and a pleasing flavour. This first early variety is at its most wonderful straight out of the ground and into the pot for use as a salad or new potato. Potato 'Arran Pilot' also shows good resistance to scab. Height and spread: 60cm (24").

Quality Control - following inspection our seed potatoes receive a certification number (see bag label). They are size graded within riddle size 35mm x 60mm to achieve the ideal size, although shape will vary due to season and variety. A final visual examination takes place prior to packing. Note: a 1kg pack of a typical variety should contain over 10 tubers. Order Despatch - Potatoes are sent separately, in specially secure cartons, and will be despatched from December onwards, weather permitting. Please note that we monitor weather conditions daily during critical periods and do not despatch when frosty periods are forecast.

All our seed potatoes are Safe Haven certified.

We secure the earliest, freshest lifted tubers to start our potato despatches in December, ensuring the best quality stock for our customers. We recommend storing in a cool, dark place until ready to chit.

Plant first early potato crops from the end of February. Prior to planting, 'chit' the seed potatoes by setting them out in a cool, bright position (10C/ 50F) to allow them to sprout.

When growing first early potatoes in the ground avoid planting in soil where potatoes have grown for two years in succession to reduce the risk of disease. Prepare the planting area in a sheltered position in full sun on moist well drained soil. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure. Plant potatoes in rows at a spacing of 30cm (12"). Rows should be set out 60cm (2') apart. Place the seed potatoes into 10cm (4") deep trenches and backfill the soil to refill the trenches. When shoots reach 20cm (8"), mound up soil around the shoots leaving just a few cm showing. Repeat this process after a further 3 weeks.

Where space is limited, try growing potatoes in potato bags on the patio. Fill an 8 litre potato bag to just below the top of the bag with good quality compost mixed with some well rotted manure. Carefully plunge a single chitted potato tuber into the compost with the shoots pointing upwards at a depth of 12cm (5") from the soil surface. Place the bags in a sunny position and water regularly to keep the compost moist.