Seed Potato – Violet Queen (500g)

Violet Queen is a striking specialty potato variety known for its deep purple skin and vibrant violet flesh. This eye-catching potato maintains its rich color even after cooking, making it a favorite for gardeners and cooks who enjoy unique and colorful produce. The flavor is smooth, slightly nutty, and earthy, with a firm texture that works beautifully in many dishes.

These potatoes are excellent for roasting, boiling, baking, and adding vibrant color to salads and gourmet plates. Violet Queen potatoes are not only visually impressive but also valued for their high levels of natural antioxidants associated with purple-fleshed potatoes.

This variety produces medium-sized, oval tubers with reliable yields and strong garden performance. Growing Violet Queen potatoes is a rewarding way to add both flavor and visual appeal to your home harvest.

Growing Instructions (Zone 3b)

Potatoes thrive in cooler climates and grow very well in Zone 3b gardens.

• Planting Time: Plant seed potatoes in late spring once soil temperatures reach about 7–10°C (45–50°F). In Zone 3b this is typically mid-May to early June.
• Sun: Full sun is essential for healthy growth and good tuber production.
• Soil: Plant in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.0–6.5.
• Preparation: If potatoes are large, cut into pieces ensuring each piece has at least 1–2 eyes. Allow cut pieces to dry for 1–2 days before planting to help prevent rot.
• Planting Depth: Plant pieces about 3–4 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 24–30 inches apart.
• Hilling: When plants reach about 6–8 inches tall, mound soil around the base of the plants. Continue hilling as plants grow to encourage more tuber development and prevent potatoes from turning green.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering when tubers begin forming.
• Harvest: Harvest small new potatoes around 70–80 days after planting, or allow 90–110 days for full maturity.
• Storage: Cure harvested potatoes in a dark, well-ventilated area for 1–2 weeks before storing in a cool, dark location.

Violet Queen potatoes are perfect for gardeners looking to grow a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful specialty potato.