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Desiree potatoes were first bred in the Netherlands in the 1950's and finally released in 1962. The Dutch immediately took to them and their popularity then spread to Italy where they are called Patata Rossa di Colfiorito. They are still widely grown in Italy.
The Italians are so enamored with 'their' variety of red potato that they hold a festival each August in its name. Thousands visitors descend on the village each year to participate in the celebration.
Desiree is a cross between Depesche and Urgenta potatoes.
Surprisingly, although this variety originates from the Netherlands, the Italians managed to obtain a Protected Geographical Indication status in 1998 by the European Union for this potato variety when grown in the Colfiorito Plain - how did the Italians manage that!
The popularity of Desiree potatoes spread throughout Europe and even Australia and the United States. The French have also taken a liking to Desiree potatoes - these potatoes have become an essential ingredient of Potato Dauphinoise. The more basic Brits have also adopted them as a great all rounder.
Desiree Potatoes
Desiree is a Maincrop potato variety with an attractive red skin and light yellow coloured flesh. Individual potatoes are slightly larger than average at maturity although they can be harvested earlier than normal for smaller potatoes.
Desiree have excellent storage properties and can be stored for two or three months in the correct conditions.
They produce good chips, top quality roast potatoes, excellent mash and retain their shape when boiled lightly. Disease resistance is average and they cope well in drought conditions. The height of the plants is average so they should cope with most wind conditions without being blown over.
Desiree potatoes should be grown in the normal manner for Maincrop potatoes. Click here for our detailed page about growing potatoes. We wouldn't advise growing them in containers.
There is little benefit to chitting maincrop potatoes however, the best time to chit / sprout Desiree potatoes is the first week of March in average areas of the UK. Comprehensive details about how to chit potatoes can be found here.
Sprouted Seed Potatoes
The best time to plant out Desiree potatoes is about the first week of April in average areas of the UK.
Planting out on this date will give the seed potatoes about six weeks before they reach the surface of the soil. Whilst they are growing towards the soil surface the sprouts will be protected from frost by the surrounding soil.
By the time they do appear above the soil, the danger of frost will have passed and the sprouts will not be damaged by frost. Comprehensive details about how to plant out potatoes can be found here.
As with all vegetables, the time for harvest is dependent on many factors such as the weather conditions while they are growing and the general soil conditions.
On average however you can expect to start harvesting Desiree potatoes in mid to late August in average areas of the UK.
Using the above date as a guide we would advise that a week before that date you use your hand to search through the soil to harvest one or two potatoes. The term often used for this activity is known in gardening circles as "furtling"!
It does almost no damage to the remaining potatoes but allows you to examine one or two of the potatoes to ensure they are of approximately the correct size. If they are, start harvesting, if not wait for one or two weeks and try again.
Desiree flower
Harvesting Desiree potatoes can be spread over three to four weeks and they can be stored successfully for two to three months in the correct conditions. Comprehensive details about how to harvest and store potatoes can be found here.
For other maincrop potatoes we have tested select one from the drop down list below.
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