Black potatoes: description of varieties, characteristics and cultivation with photos

Exotics on the plots are not uncommon in our time. Black potatoes are no exception. Summer residents, knowing about the beneficial properties of this type of crop, willingly grow various varieties of potatoes in the beds.

Origin

There is no single answer to this question. But most opinions agree that the homeland of black potatoes is South America. Some researchers claim that this variety of culture appeared as a result of selection work of scientists.

Variety description

There are many varieties of black potatoes, but they all share a similar characteristic. Dark root crops, light aerial part, thick skin of tubers and other signs. The height of the bushes, the length of the vegetable and some other characteristic features are different for each variety.

Fetal description

Outwardly, almost black peel, inside bright purple flesh with white streaks. The shape is oblong or round, depending on the variety, the taste is unusual. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Potatoes take less time to cook than their white counterparts and have a nutty flavor.

Description of the bush

Height of plants reaches 50-65 cm, and higher depending on the variety. The bushes are erect, the stems are lush. In general, the plants are very similar in appearance.

Pros and cons

It will not be possible to unambiguously determine the positive and negative properties of varieties. Each species has its own pros and cons.

But there are still common advantages:

1. Unusual color, taste and appearance of root crops.
2. Commercial qualities of root crops are very good.
3. If all requirements are met, it is stored for a long time, retaining taste and excellent presentation.
4. The vegetable has a set of nutrients that are characteristic only for varieties with black root crops.
5. Some varieties are heat tolerant.
6. High immunity to diseases.

Flaws:

1. Low yield compared to other varieties.
2. These varieties are not suitable for full planting of plots, they serve only as supplements.
3. Prone to certain diseases.

Black potatoes are exotic vegetables. Therefore, it is grown more for pleasure than to provide a supply of root crops for the winter.

What does it taste like?

According to the description, black potatoes have a pronounced nutty flavor when cooked. Thanks to this, it is gaining recognition among summer residents who love to surprise their loved ones with unusual dishes. The root crop is prepared faster than the usual white varieties of potatoes. Keeps the purple hue of the vegetable when cooked.

Disease resistance

Field he alth of plants, an important criterion when choosing varieties for cultivation. The summer resident wants to have such types of culture that do not need constant preventive treatment.

Black potatoes are immune to certain diseases, which depends on the variety. Also, depending on the species, it is affected by some diseases.

Precocity

The ripening period ranges from 70-110 days. It all depends on the selected variety

Yields

The disadvantage and distinctive feature of black potatoes is low yield. It is also different for all species, you should pay attention to this when choosing.

Growing regions

Exotic cultures are gaining popularity among summer residents. Regions for growing black potatoes are not limited by rigid limits. Many varieties are grown everywhere.

Distribution in Russia

Russian summer residents love everything unusual, so the black tuber is known throughout the country. But they grow it as a supplement. Not striving to get the maximum harvest necessary to feed the whole family.

Varieties

Breeders bring to the attention of summer residents the most common types of crops that are popular in Russia:

• Chinese truffle.
• Negress.
• Purple Peruvian.
• The Black Prince.
• Purple Viking.
• Scottish black variety.

After reviewing the characteristics, the gardener chooses the most suitable type of crop for himself and his family.

Chinese truffle

Potato variety with an average ripening period of 75-85 days. The fruits are oblong, the flesh is purple. The skin is thick for excellent storage throughout the winter.

Negress

A well-known variety among summer residents, it is characterized by early maturity, as it matures in 70 days. Suitable for any kind of use, during heat treatment it does not lose taste, useful substances and the original color of the root crop.Unpretentious in care, but the yield is weak. Not susceptible to root rot and scab.

Purple Peruvian

200 years of work on breeding this species. Tubers are oblong in shape, average weight is 80 g, there are many eyes. Ripens within 100-110 days. The yield is average, but the taste of the vegetable is excellent. There is no immunity to diseases.

Black Prince

Matures within 70-75 days, the species is resistant to many diseases. A vegetable of an elongated-oblong shape, up to 12 cm long. The color of the skin is violet-blue, the flesh is beige. The average weight of a root crop is 150 g.

The variety is immune to:

• potato crawfish;
• golden nematode;
• common scab;
• late blight;
• root rot;
• black leg and many other diseases.

Purple Viking

Refers to mid-early varieties of black potatoes. The tubers are round and slightly elongated, the color is dark purple, weight is from 65-90 g. The taste is excellent, it has an average resistance to the main potato diseases.

Scottish black variety

Early ripening, ready to eat in 70 days. The tubers are oval, the peel is dark purple, similar to scales. The pulp is light, has excellent taste. Developed immunity to powdery mildew.

Landing

Nothing special about planting black potatoes. It is unpretentious in care, so even a novice vegetable grower can grow it. The main thing is to follow the rules and requirements of agricultural technology.

It is necessary to choose the right place, prepare the seeds, plant the potatoes in the garden and care for them.

Timing

Crop should be planted in the ground after the soil warms up to the desired temperature. The best option is + 7-12 ⁰С. Therefore, the planting date is calculated by the summer resident himself, based on the characteristics of the climate of the region and the selected variety.

Location

A well-lit area, preferably protected from drafts and flooding, is the best option for growing root crops.

Soil preparation

Begin to prepare the land for planting in the fall, the selected area is dug up with organic and mineral fertilizers. For 1 m² 10 kg of humus and wood ash are added.Some summer residents sow it with green manure, which are plowed up with the soil in the spring.

In April or May, the application of dolomite flour or complex mineral fertilizers is recommended.

The best result is achieved if, during planting, the holes are filled with humus mixed with wood ash.

Seed treatment

Seed material is selected in autumn. Carefully rejecting low-quality tubers. In the spring, they sort it out again, removing all poorly overwintered root crops.

The storage is taken out in advance, about 1 month before planting. First of all, the tubers turn green. Accumulating corned beef, they become poisonous and rodents do not touch them. Do it in the sun for 10 days. After they are cleaned in a bright, well-ventilated room for germination.

Planting material must be processed before planting. This will reduce the risk of developing diseases and save you from insect attacks. For this, special tools are purchased in the store. Soaking in growth stimulants will not hurt.

Plant and planting depth

Depends on what place is chosen for the beds. If the soil is loamy or black earth, then they are traditionally planted in holes. The distance between them is approximately 30 cm, deepened by 10 cm.

If the soil is predominantly sandy, use the method of planting in trenches. Distance between potatoes 25-30 cm, depth 10-12 cm.

Areas of high humidity are recommended to be planted using a ridge method. On a bed well lit by the sun, the distance between the holes is 50 cm, the standard depth is 10 cm.

Features of care

Black root color, does not require any special care procedures. Everything is done in the same way as with ordinary varieties of potatoes.

Irrigation

Any potato needs timely watering. The future harvest depends on how moisture will be equipped. Summer residents are advised to organize drip irrigation. But in its absence, water as needed in the usual way.

Abundant watering the plant requires:

• at the time of budding;
• during flowering;
• after it fades.

Providing moisture will result in the stated yield.

Feeding

The plant does not refuse to fertilize. No matter how fertile the land is, top dressing is a must. For the first time on the 14th day after germination, apply liquid mullein or urea.

The second mandatory top dressing immediately after the potatoes have faded. Then watered with potassium sulfate at the rate of 500 mg per 1 bush.

If there is time and opportunity, the number of top dressings is increased.

Weeding

Removal of weed grass is a mandatory process when growing any crop. This is especially important at the initial stage, when the plant needs the maximum amount of nutrients from the soil. And weed grass pulls out of the soil most of the minerals needed by potatoes for full development.

Another reason to pluck weeds is that they are carriers of diseases and parasitize pests at the expense of them.

Loosening the soil

The root system of plants needs a constant supply of oxygen. Therefore, summer residents loosen the beds. Breaking the crust formed after rain or watering.

Before germination, the soil is loosened shallowly, this allows the tubers to breathe and develop faster. It also reduces the amount of weeds.

Hilling

Mandatory procedure when growing a crop. This protects against the appearance of pests, the development of certain diseases and improves soil aeration. The first time they do this is when the plant reaches 15-20 cm in height. Then 2 more times until the potatoes are fully grown and this becomes difficult.

Harvest and storage of crops

10 days before digging, summer residents recommend mowing the tops. The plant will put all the juices into the tubers. Before harvesting the crop for storage, dry it well.

Kept in the same way as other crops. To reduce moisture, tubers are sprinkled with sawdust.

Eating

Black potatoes are used for any cooking method. It is fried, stewed, mashed and other dishes are prepared from it, in which this vegetable is present.

Exotic appearance will amaze all friends and acquaintances. And the unusual and unique taste will appeal to any gourmet.

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