How to Grow Potatoes Guide 🥔

Growing Non-GMO Organic Purple Viking Seed Potatoes

For those in areas with shorter growing zones, it is a good idea to pre-spout (chit) the potatoes to give them a head start in the season. To chit a potato, place it in a cool, bright location with the "eyes" (sprout points) facing up to encourage sprouting before planting. If your seed potatoes are larger than a golf ball, cut them into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two "eyes." Allow these pieces to cure for a day or two in a cool, dry place to scab over and reduce rot risk. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to improve fertility. Dig a 4-6 inch deep trench. Plant the seed pieces with about 3 inches of soil covering, spacing them about 12-15 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Cover the seed potatoes with soil, gently firming it around them.

As the plants grow, create hills around them by mounding soil around the base of the plants when they reach about 6 inches in height. This encourages the development of more tubers and protects them from sunlight, which can cause greening and make them inedible. Repeat this process every few weeks as the plants continue to grow. Purple Viking potatoes have an upright, mounding growth habit and do not require support, pruning, or pinching.

During the growing season, apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, following the instructions on the label. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of tuber development. Regular watering is crucial, especially during tuber formation. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Mulching with straw or hay helps retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

Purple Viking Seed Potatoes in the Organic Vegetable Garden

They can be grown in traditional garden beds or containers, making them accessible for gardeners with limited space. While their flowers are attractive, they are small and do not add much aesthetic value to the garden. Companion planting can enhance the growth of Purple Viking potatoes. Planting them alongside beans, cabbage, or marigolds can help deter pests and improve soil health. However, avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes or eggplant, as they share common pests and diseases, which can increase the risk of infestations.

Harvesting Purple Viking Organic Seed Potatoes

Harvesting the tubers should be done when the foliage begins to yellow and die back, usually around 65-75 days after planting. However, they can be harvested early for baby potatoes if desired. Loosen the soil surrounding the plants to make the tubers easier to remove. Carefully dig up the tubers to avoid damage, and cure them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry location, avoiding exposure to light, which can cause greening and bitterness.

About Organic Purple Viking Seed Potatoes

Purple Viking potatoes were developed by North Dakota State University in the 1960s. They were bred for their unique appearance, excellent flavor, and adaptability to different growing conditions.

The anthocyanins responsible for the skin color are powerful antioxidants also found in blueberries and red cabbage. These compounds help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Incorporating Purple Viking potatoes into your diet can offer several health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile. They are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

This potato knows what it means to have curb appeal! They are perfect for short-season or early markets and are a true all-purpose variety. Their unique appearance, excellent flavor, and adaptability make them a favorite among gardeners and chefs.

For those growing in warmer zones (above 6), consider planting potatoes early in the season to allow them to have the cooler soil temperatures (60-70 F) that they like best.

Practice crop rotation and avoid planting potatoes in the same spot more than once every three years to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Imagine how beautiful these would be as a baked potato to accompany a delicious chicken breast and harty green salad. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Purple Viking Organic Seed Potatoes Per Package:

• 2 lbs Seed Potatoes
• 5 lbs Seed Potatoes
• 10 lbs Seed Potatoes

Non-GMO Organic Purple Viking Seed Potatoes are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.