Belarusian potato varieties: early, mid-early, late

Potato varieties in Belarus are being actively developed, taking into account the accumulated experience of farmers and the specific climates of different regions. Every novice and experienced gardener can carefully study the available Belarusian potato varieties to determine the most appealing vegetable crop.

Belarusian potato varieties are renowned for their minimal cultivation requirements. This promises a delicious, high-quality harvest of potatoes, selected with an understanding of the existing range of available crops for gardeners.

Description and characteristics of potato varieties in Belarus

Belarus is divided into three climate zones, so varieties were developed for specific regions. This allows for the selection of the variety best suited to a specific climate. In recent years, new potato varieties have emerged thanks to rapid technological advancements and the consideration of global standards. Before mass planting, each variety undergoes 12 years of testing. This principle allows for the creation of unique varieties ideally suited to specific climate zones.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Belarusian potato variety

The best potato varieties for planting in Belarus are represented by dozens of names. Despite this, extensive testing guarantees optimal food and commercial characteristics. The new varieties do not require extensive fertilizer use, as they boast high yields from the start. Belarusian inventors are committed to the benefit of farmers and therefore offer only the best Belarusian potato varieties.

The main advantages of Belarusian-bred potatoes:

• optimal yield indicator;
• the ability to obtain perfectly even, beautiful tubers;
• increased resistance to potato diseases and parasites;
• pleasant taste characteristics;
• possibility of long-term storage during the winter period.

The above-mentioned advantages demonstrate that Belarus is developing high-quality potato varieties. Furthermore, the country has established full-scale production of elite seed potatoes.

How to choose potato varieties for Belarus

Belarusian potatoes are developed with their intended use in mind, whether for table or industrial purposes. Recently, varieties with higher starch content have become increasingly popular.

It is advisable to base the choice of potatoes on the culinary type of vegetable crop.

1. A. This category includes salad potatoes with a firm consistency that won't overcook. However, the potatoes often turn out quite watery.
2. Potato varieties in this group are used for soups, boiling, and frying. The fruits have a moderately firm consistency and are virtually indestructible.
3. C. This category includes potatoes with a soft consistency, moderate wateriness, and flouriness. Their easy-to-cook nature makes them ideal for mashed potatoes.
4. D. This category includes potato varieties used for mashed potatoes and casseroles. The main distinguishing features are a soft consistency, pronounced flouriness, and lack of wateriness.

It is advisable to base the choice of potatoes on the specifics of the subsequent use of the crop.

Early varieties for Belarus

Dolphin

The high-yielding Dolphin variety produces up to 14–16 medium-sized tubers per plant. The average pulp content is 11–14 percent.

Dolphin is drought-resistant, but still requires watering. To achieve early, marketable yields, it's recommended to properly germinate the seed, as early potato varieties in Belarus require a special approach to cultivation.

Uladar

Uladar is a similar variety to Skarb. In good years, it can yield up to 72 tons per hectare. Uladar is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it suitable for even novice gardeners. Its high starch content (17 percent) and pleasant flesh guarantee optimal flavor and the potential for culinary use.

Lapis lazuli

Lazurit is a potato variety with large, round tubers with a starch content of 12-17%. Early, abundant yields are one of its main advantages. Lazurit is best grown in light to medium soils that should not be overwatered. To prevent early sprouting, the tubers should be initially stored at a temperature no higher than 3°C (37°F). It's worth noting that this potato exhibits moderate resistance to late blight, making its cultivation significantly easier.

Mid-early varieties for Belarus

These early Belarusian potato varieties are also worthy of attention because they yield crops faster and produce vegetables with superior flavor.

Lily

Lileya is a tasty and nutritious potato variety. Lileya features large tubers (weighing 100-200 grams) with minimal defects. With a starch content of 11-17 percent, this variety is ideal for culinary use.

Yanka

The Belarusian Yanka potato is recommended for cultivation by farms and industrial enterprises. However, this variety can also be appreciated by private gardeners. Yanka is a potato variety that has a long shelf life and is easy to transport. Its robust root system allows for 8-12 high-quality tubers per plant.

Treasures

Skarb is a mid-season table salad potato. Each square meter yields 6.5 kilograms. This variety, with a starch content of 13-17 percent, is used for drying and frying. Its high yield is largely due to its resistance to diseases and pests. The resulting harvest can be stored for a long time and remains marketable.

Mid-season varieties for Belarus

Oak grove

Dubrava is a starchy potato with large, round tubers. This variety is a typical table potato. Dubrava exhibits increased resistance to drought and viral diseases. It exhibits moderate resistance to late blight, scab, and rhizoctonia. This potato grows successfully in all types of soil.

Krinitsa

Krinitsa is a high-yielding potato. A single plant produces up to 12 to 16 round tubers with starchy flesh. The potatoes are distinguished by their perfect, delicate flavor.

Volat

Belarusian potato varieties like Volat are considered table potatoes. They are guaranteed to be resistant to drought and mechanical damage, making them ideal for transportation, marketing, and long-term storage. Their adaptability to any soil and weather conditions also contributes to a successful harvest. Volat is considered one of the healthiest potato varieties, yet its starch content is only 11-19 percent. A single plant produces up to 8-15 tubers weighing 90-180 grams.

Mid-late varieties for Belarus

Lightning

This variety has a high yield: 550 centners per hectare. The potatoes have a moderate starch content and a pleasant flavor, but they are best used for frying. Zarnitsa grows successfully in any soil, but enhanced mineral nutrition is prohibited.

Zdabytak

Zdabutak is one of the highest-yielding varieties (over 700 centners per hectare). This potato has a high starch content (19-26 percent), but its flavor is also considered ideal. It stores well and has a long shelf life. Successful cultivation requires optimal soil moisture, as only then will one be able to produce 22 tubers from a single plant.

Maximum

Maximum is a high-yielding variety. A single plant produces up to 9-14 tubers. This potato has a high starch content (approximately 26 percent), making it a successful vegetable crop for producing high-quality starch.

Late varieties for Belarus

Vesnyanka

Vesnyanka is one of the most productive Belarusian potato varieties. One hectare can yield up to 660 centners. The variety is ideal for making potato chips and mashed potatoes, making it commonly used in industrial production. The potato is resistant to diseases and pests and grows successfully in any soil type. The most important thing is to avoid overuse of mineral fertilizers.

Rogneda

Rogneda is a mid-late potato variety that can be harvested approximately four months after germination. The tubers have a long shelf life.

Potato planting in Belarus

Potato varieties in Belarus require a specific planting schedule. In most cases, planting begins in the second half of April, as night frosts can still be detrimental. Only early potato varieties are planted in Belarus in early April, but it is recommended to cover the plots with plastic film.

Planting method also plays an important role. Most often, they are planted in a smooth, ridged, or trench pattern. Potatoes are always planted from north to south to ensure they receive sufficient light during ripening.

When planting, it's advisable to maintain a distance between potato plants and individual rows, as the plants will require sufficient space to grow. Early varieties require a distance of 60 centimeters between rows, while late varieties require 70 centimeters. Potato plants should always be planted 25-35 centimeters apart, with late varieties spaced further apart.

The planting depth should be as follows:

• light soil – 10 – 12 centimeters;
• heavy soil – 8 – 10 centimeters;
• clay soil - about 5 centimeters.

Soil preparation for growing potatoes is essential. In the fall, the soil is dug over and the following fertilizer mixture is added: a bucket of compost, 30 grams of superphosphate, and 15 grams of potassium salt. This solution is applied per square meter. In the spring, the soil is fertilized with nitrogen.

Potato care in Belarus

Potato care begins five days after planting. To do this, loosen the soil with a rake to ensure adequate oxygen supply. Weeds are also removed.

Loosen the soil after each watering or after rain. Bird droppings (100 grams per square meter) can be used for this purpose. Each potato plant should be watered with up to 3 liters of water, with watering being more frequent once the tops emerge.

After the potato tops have grown, they are hilled. The developing tubers must remain underground for their full development. Hilled potatoes require foliar fertilizer, but phosphate and potassium fertilizers are also used to spray the tops.

Reviews

Oleg:

"Dubrava is one of the best Belarusian potato varieties. Proper cultivation guarantees a rich, high-quality harvest, rich in nutrients and impeccable flavor. Moreover, this variety is ideal for mashed potatoes thanks to its high starch content."

Tatiana:

"I'm a huge fan of Belarusian potatoes, as they embody the accumulated experience of many gardeners and modern technology. Easy care and a bountiful harvest of impeccable flavor make any Belarusian potato variety worthy of the special attention of novice and experienced gardeners, as well as gourmets."

Julia:

"I've come to appreciate Belarusian potatoes, as they're always quite starchy and nutritious. However, when choosing a variety, it's important to consider optimal growing conditions and specific care requirements. Only proper care will yield a tasty, high-quality harvest."

Descriptions of Belarusian potato varieties and their photos help us understand why Belarus occupies one of the leading positions in potato production and the development of new varieties.