Contents
Red-skinned potatoes have recently appeared on our shelves. Previously, we only knew a white root crop with a grayish skin. The variety “Red Scarlet” can no longer be called a novelty, but it appeared on the tables of s relatively recently. Today it is successfully grown in home gardens. It is very unpretentious in cultivation and is perfectly stored. If you are new to this business and do not know which variety to start your acquaintance with potatoes, start with it.
Variety description
The word red means red. This is no coincidence, because root crops have a red hue of the peel. At the same time, their flesh is yellowish. Potato “Red Scarlett” bred by breeders from Holland. Imported from Europe a few years ago, it quickly gained popularity. Most often it is grown in the south of Our Country and in the central regions in sunny open areas.
It is believed that among the varieties of Dutch selection, the Red Scarlet potato is the best. Description of the variety, photos, reviews and specifications will be indicated in our article.
Appearance
The shape of the tubers is slightly elongated, they are rather large oval. The weight of one potato can reach 100-120 grams. Small, shallow eyes provide easy peeling. This is important for every hostess.
The peel has a red tint, and the flesh is light yellow. Taste and density are determined by the content of starch in the tubers. The optimal content (from 10 to 15%) provides a dense texture and delicate taste. Potatoes become a little crumbly when cooked.
The yield of the variety is very high, and resistance to diseases provides a guaranteed high number of root crops. More detailed information about the variety “Red Scarlet” is collected in the table.
Table
When choosing a potato variety, the gardener proceeds from what its qualities are. Technical data comes to the rescue. The most important aspects are considered to be:
- productivity;
- disease resistance;
- appearance and taste;
- scheme and features of cultivation.
We collected all this data in a special table.
Parameters | Variety description |
|---|---|
Ripening rate | Early ripe variety, 45-55 days pass from the moment of germination to technical ripeness |
Description of external data | Oval shape of root crops, weight from 60 to 120 grams with yellowish flesh |
Disease resistance | To the golden nematode, to late blight, to cancer |
Commodity qualities | Excellent, long and well stored, rarely affected by rot |
Peculiarities of growing | Soil loosening, weed control, timely watering and fertilization |
Description of the plant | Bush semi-erect low, corolla of flowers red-violet |
Productivity | High, up to 19 kilograms per square meter |
The variety is valuable primarily due to resistance to the nematode, preservation of commercial qualities during long-term storage and high yield.
Useful qualities
Some citizens believe that apart from starch, there are no useful elements in the potato, that it should be eaten as little as possible. Of course it isn’t. Potatoes, like any other product, should be consumed by a person in moderation.
The composition of the potato includes:
- group A vitamins;
- vitamins of group B;
- group C vitamins;
- vitamins H and PP.
The lack of vitamins in the body is primarily due to malnutrition, restriction in the consumption of certain products. Even the process of losing weight must be approached carefully. The variety “Red Scarlett” also has the ability to protect our body.
Growing rules
In order to get a rich and healthy harvest, you need to spend a lot of effort and energy. Nothing will work if you do not follow the plants, even if the variety is very resistant to external influences.
Seed potatoes are purchased by spring, they are prepared in advance for sowing in May. Since the variety is early, you can take your time planting Red Scarlett.
In May, the air temperature will become optimal, the earth will warm up, and seedlings will appear quickly.
Additionally, check that the potatoes are free of rot and damage.
Landing pattern 60×35 or 75×35. Even if you did not germinate the tubers in advance, the first shoots will appear after 14-20 days. Only cold weather can prevent this. The planting depth is average, you need to deepen the Red Scarlett potato by about 7 centimeters. From the moment the sprouts appear, the gardener will have to take care of his crops for one and a half months. Potato variety “Red Scarlett” after 45 days is able to produce a crop.
In order for the yield to be excellent, it is important to observe the following conditions:
- plant Red Scarlett root crops in open sunny areas;
- loosen the soil regularly;
- apply fertilizer.
As top dressing, you can use ash and superphosphate. If you plan to dig up your crop, remove the tops a week before. The video shows a grown Red Scarlett potato:
You can see that the bushes fall to the ground. This is noted by many gardeners, this property does not affect the yield.
One of the most important properties of potatoes, including the Red Scarlett variety, is the shelf life and the preservation of the main qualities at the same time.
Storage
Potato storage is very important, because high yields are needed to ensure that there are enough root crops for both autumn and winter.
The keeping quality of the Red Scarlett variety is high. If you first sort the crop for the presence of rot, put it in a cool and ventilated room, then the potatoes will retain not only their excellent presentation, but also their taste.
Disease resistance
“Red Scarlett” is resistant not only to diseases, but also to some viruses, for example, types A and Yn. This also has a positive effect on the duration of storage. Only healthy and mature root crops can lie in the cellar until spring.
Conclusion
As you can see, potatoes of this variety are very popular and famous for their excellent qualities. It is so unpretentious that it is suitable even for beginner gardeners.
Testimonials from truck drivers
The reviews of those who have already been involved in the cultivation of the Red Scarlett variety will reveal the secrets in the best possible way, because from the experience of other gardeners you can draw conclusions for yourself. Let’s consider some of them.