King Edward Potato: A Classic Heirloom Variety for Home Gardening

The King Edward Potato is a beloved heirloom variety that has been a staple in home gardens and kitchens for over a century. Renowned for its light, fluffy texture and deliciously creamy flavor, this potato is perfect for roasting, mashing, baking, and frying. Its attractive pinkish-red eyes, combined with its ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions, make it a top choice for gardeners looking for a high-yielding and reliable crop.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to grow your own potatoes, King Edward is an excellent variety that is both easy to cultivate and rewarding to harvest.

History of King Edward Potatoes

This historic variety was first introduced in 1902 in the United Kingdom, named in honor of King Edward VII. Since then, it has remained one of the most popular potato varieties due to its exceptional taste, adaptability, and versatility in cooking. Many traditional recipes in the UK and Europe still favor King Edward Potatoes due to their ability to hold shape while cooking, making them ideal for crispy roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, and fluffy baked potatoes.

Why Grow King Edward Potatoes?

1. Classic, Delicious Flavor

• A well-balanced taste with a slightly nutty, buttery flavor.
• One of the best varieties for traditional roast potatoes.

2. Versatile Culinary Uses

• Ideal for baking, roasting, mashing, and frying.
• Light, fluffy texture makes it perfect for flavorful, creamy dishes.

3. High-Yielding & Disease Resistant

• Produces large, uniform tubers with excellent yields.
• Naturally resistant to common potato diseases such as scab and blight.

4. Thrives in Various Climates

• Adapts well to different soil types and weather conditions.
• Grows well in both cool and temperate climates.

5. Long Storage Life

• Can be stored for several months when kept in a cool, dark place.
• Maintains its flavor and texture over time.

When to Plant King Edward Potatoes?

• Best Planting Time: Early spring (once soil temperatures reach at least 45°F (7°C)).
• Growing Season: Approximately 15–20 weeks from planting to harvest.
• Harvest Time: Late summer to early fall, depending on your region.

Where to Plant King Edward Potatoes?

1. Sunlight Requirements

• Requires full sun exposure (at least 6–8 hours per day).
• Avoid planting in shaded areas, as this reduces yield.

2. Soil Requirements

• Prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Ideal soil pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
• Heavy clay soils should be lightened with compost or sand for better drainage.

3. Space & Depth

• Plant tubers 3–5 inches deep and 12–15 inches apart in rows.
• Space rows 30 inches apart to allow for easy maintenance and aeration.

How to Plant King Edward Potatoes?

1. Preparing the Seed Potatoes

• Chit the potatoes (allow them to sprout) by placing them in a cool, light-filled area for 2–3 weeks before planting.
• Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 2 sprouts (eyes).

2. Planting Method

• Dig trenches 4–5 inches deep in well-prepared soil.
• Place each seed potato with the sprouts facing up.
• Cover lightly with soil and water thoroughly.

3. Hilling the Plants

• As the plants grow, mound soil around the base to encourage tuber development.
• Repeat this process every few weeks until plants reach 12 inches in height.

How to Care for King Edward Potatoes?

1. Watering Needs

• Requires consistent moisture, especially during the tuber formation stage.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring soil remains moist but not soggy.

2. Fertilizing Schedule

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting.
• Use a potassium-rich fertilizer during the growing season to enhance tuber size.

3. Mulching for Moisture Retention

• Apply straw, compost, or dried leaves around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Pest & Disease Control

• Keep an eye out for Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and slugs.
• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Use companion planting (see below) to deter pests naturally.

Best Companion Plants for King Edward Potatoes

Good Companion Plants:

• Legumes (Beans, Peas) — Help fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Marigolds & Nasturtiums — Naturally repel aphids and potato beetles.
• Horseradish — Protects against pests and enhances potato flavor.
• Spinach & Lettuce — Utilize shaded space between potato rows.

Plants to Avoid:

• Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants — These nightshade relatives are prone to similar diseases.
• Carrots & Onions — Compete for nutrients, reducing overall yields.

When & How to Harvest King Edward Potatoes?

1. Signs of Readiness

• New potatoes can be harvested after 10–12 weeks (when plants flower).
• For mature potatoes, wait until the foliage yellows and dies back (around 15–20 weeks).

2. Harvesting Process

• Carefully dig around plants using a garden fork, avoiding damage to tubers.
• Let potatoes air-dry for a few hours before storing.

3. Storing Your Potatoes

• Keep in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place (40–50°F or 4–10°C).
• Avoid exposure to light, as it can cause potatoes to turn green and bitter.
• Do not store near onions, as they release gases that shorten shelf life.

Cooking with King Edward Potatoes

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Harvest

• Perfectly Roasted King Edward Potatoes — Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes — A smooth, buttery classic.
• Baked Potatoes — Light and fluffy with a crisp skin.
• Homemade French Fries — A superior frying variety.

Final Thoughts

The King Edward Potato is a heritage variety with outstanding flavor, texture, and yield. Whether you’re growing them for personal use or market sale, this reliable, disease-resistant potato will reward you with a bountiful harvest and delicious homegrown meals.

Start growing your own King Edward Potatoes today! Get high-quality seeds from Organic India Seeds and enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes straight from your garden!