Contents
Description
Solanum Tuberosum Red Duke Of York, commonly known as Red Duke Of York, is a potato plant that originated in Scotland. It is a first early variety that produces small to medium-sized potatoes that have a waxy texture and a red skin. The flesh is yellow and firm, making it ideal for boiling, roasting, and chipping. The Red Duke Of York is often described as having a nutty flavor and a slightly sweet taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
The Red Duke Of York potato plant has dark green foliage that grows up to 60 cm tall. It produces small to medium-sized potatoes that are oval in shape and have a red skin. The flesh is yellow and firm, making it ideal for boiling, roasting, and chipping. The plant also produces small white or purple flowers that are followed by small green fruits.
Care Guide
The Red Duke Of York potato plant requires regular watering and fertilization to grow properly. It grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The hardiness zones for this plant are 3-9.
Water
The Red Duke Of York potato plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week and more frequently during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Red Duke Of York potato plant with a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
The Red Duke Of York potato plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.5.
Sunlight
The Red Duke Of York potato plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The hardiness zones for the Red Duke Of York potato plant are 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Red Duke Of York potato plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:
Pests
- Colorado potato beetle
- Aphids
- Wireworms
- Slugs
Diseases
- Early blight
- Blackleg
- Verticillium wilt
- Phytophthora infestans (late blight)
Habitat
The Red Duke Of York potato plant is a cool-season crop that grows best in temperate climates. It can be grown in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is commonly grown in gardens and on small-scale farms.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Red Duke Of York potato plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
Q: When should I harvest the potatoes?
A: The potatoes can be harvested when the foliage begins to yellow and die back. Carefully dig up the potatoes with a fork and let them dry in the sun for a few hours before storing.
Q: Can I save the potatoes to plant next year?
A: Yes, you can save the potatoes to plant next year. Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight for several weeks before planting.
Q: How many potatoes can I expect to harvest from one plant?
A: You can expect to harvest 5-10 potatoes per plant, depending on the size of the plant and the growing conditions.
Related Plants
- Solanum tuberosum ‘Adirondack Blue’
- Solanum tuberosum ‘All Blue’
- Solanum tuberosum ‘Kennebec’
- Solanum tuberosum ‘Russet Burbank’
References
- “Potato ‘Red Duke of York’.” RHS Gardening, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/152491/solanum-tuberosum-red-duke-of-york/details.
- “Growing Potatoes.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 2021, www.almanac.com/plant/potatoes.
- “Potato.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 June 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato.
