Potato 'King Edward'

Plant early maincrop potatoes in March. Avoid planting in soil where potatoes have grown for two years in succession as this will increase the risk of disease. Prior to planting, set the seed potatoes out in a cool, bright position (10°C) to allow them to sprout. This process is called 'chitting'.Prepare the planting area in a sheltered position in full sun on moist well drained soil. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure. Plant potatoes in rows at spacing of 45cm (18"). Rows should be set out 75cm (2', 6") apart.Place the seed potatoes into 10cm (4") deep trenches and backfill the soil to refill the trenches. If risk of frost threatens, protect emerging shoots by drawing some soil over the top of them. When shoots reach 20cm (8"), mound up soil around the shoots leaving just a few cm showing. Repeat this process after a further 3 weeks. During the growing season, weed between rows and keep plants well watered during hot periods. Early maincrops can be harvested 15 weeks from planting when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back.

If risk of frost threatens, protect emerging shoots by drawing some soil over the top of them. When shoots reach 20cm (8"), mound up soil around the shoots leaving just a few cm showing. Repeat this process after a further 3 weeks. During the growing season, weed between rows and keep plants well watered during hot periods. Early maincrops can be harvested 15 weeks from planting when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.