Frequently Asked Questions
Second earlies should ideally be planted from mid to late April. We recommend chitting the seeds (encouraging sprouting indoors) about 6 weeks before planting. While not required, chitting gets them ready for growth, which can help increase yield.
The main differences between first and second early potatoes lie in planting time, harvest time, and the size of the crop. Both produce new potatoes, a summer favourite, but there are a few key differences.
First early seed potatoes are planted earlier and are usually ready for harvest in as little as 12 weeks. They tend to be smaller in size.
Second early seed potatoes, on the other hand, are planted slightly later and take about 14 weeks to grow. They produce larger potatoes in larger quantities.
Like all seed potatoes, they thrive in sunny spots with moist but well-drained soil. They’re perfect for planting in pots, large sacks, or directly in the ground. To limit the risk of disease, they shouldn’t be planted in a spot where potatoes have been grown in the last 2 years.