Black Prince Potato: Description and Characteristics of the Variety

Potato

The Black Prince potato is an unusual variety. Its tubers are small and have a long shelf life. Although not particularly productive, it attracts widespread attention. It boasts numerous other positive characteristics, making it a popular choice for gardeners.

The Black Prince potato stands out from other classic varieties. Its blue-violet coloring makes it distinctive. Many gardeners, eager to experience the flavor of this unusual potato, are planting it in their own gardens.

Origin of the variety

The origin of the Black Prince variety is unknown. Experts have put forward several hypotheses. Some believe it is the work of breeders from Holland and Israel. Others claim it is a hybrid.

Black Prince is rarely found in commercial plots. It is mostly grown for domestic consumption.

Description of the variety

Black Prince is a mid-early variety. It is resistant to temperature fluctuations and can thrive in drought conditions. It cannot be called a high-yielding variety, yielding only 100 centners per hectare.

The bushes are quite tall, with spreading branches. The leaves are pale green, wavy at the edges. The root system is well developed, and up to seven tubers can be harvested from a single bush.

The growing season is 95 days. The tubers can be stored for quite a long time, with a shelf life of approximately 92%.

The tubers have an attractive appearance, each weighing between 90 and 250 grams. The skin and flesh are yellow.

The variety is used for preparing various dishes and semi-finished products.

Please note:The potatoes do not darken during cooking.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Black Prince has many positive characteristics. The most important ones are:

good taste;
tubers are resistant to damage during harvesting;
the harvest can be stored during the winter;
Black Prince potato is resistant to temperature changes;
The variety is able to resist diseases.

In addition to the advantages, there are also some disadvantages. The main ones are the following:

low yield;
It's best to grow this crop in a small plot. It's best if Black Prince is used as a complement to traditional varieties.

Rules for growing black potatoes

Growing a good harvest isn't difficult; you just need to follow the basic rules. Preparatory work is crucial, and experts recommend paying attention to the following:

the tubers intended for planting should be of medium size;
damaged specimens are not suitable for planting;
a few weeks before planting, the tubers should be sprouted;
If potatoes are planned to be grown in light soil, then planting should be done using the trench method;
In well-lit beds, the depth of planting material should be 10 cm, and the distance between bushes should be at least 50 cm.

Important: If the soil in the area is heavy and waterlogged, the ridge method should be chosen for planting.

Caring for potatoes

Caring for this plant is easy. Basic care involves the following steps:

Watering. Black potatoes require timely and abundant watering. The best option is a drip irrigation system. Experienced gardeners also use sprinkler irrigation.
Hilling. This procedure is crucial for plant development. Hilling helps retain moisture in the soil. The first hilling is necessary when the plants reach a height of 20 cm. Hilling can be repeated after a few weeks.
Fertilizer. The variety responds well to fertilizer. The first feeding is required two weeks after germination. Cow manure or urea can be used as fertilizer.

The second procedure is carried out during the budding period. In this case, wood ash and potassium sulfate should be used.

Diseases and pests

The variety is resistant to many diseases. Crops are not susceptible to potato cancer, nematodes, or scab. If plants have been affected by late blight, they can be treated with copper-containing products. Wood ash can be used to protect crops from blackleg and rot.

Please note: Dark-fruited varieties are attractive to insects.

The most dangerous pests are the Colorado potato beetle and wireworm. Flying insects can be controlled with insecticides. Treating tubers before planting helps protect crops from wireworms. It's also important to remove weeds and mulch between rows. Straw and sawdust can be used as mulch.

To protect black potatoes from the Colorado potato beetle, treat the crops with chemicals. The following products have proven effective: Aktara, Regent, Prestige, Tabu, Molniya, and Komandor.

Reviews

Victoria, 37 years old:

"A few years ago, I came across an interesting variety. I was drawn to the unusual coloring of the tubers—the potatoes were blue. I planted the tubers in a separate bed and tended them with particular care.

As for the yield, I only harvested 10 kg of potatoes from my plot. The taste was much more pleasing. The potatoes don't overcook and have a pleasant flavor.

"Furthermore, the tubers have an attractive, oblong shape. The harvest stores well and does not sprout in the cellar."

Antonina, 54 years old:

"I studied the description of the Black Prince potato variety, photos, and reviews, and decided to plant it at my dacha. The first year's harvest was average. However, the tubers are neat and have a marketable appearance.

The following year's harvest was much more rewarding. Now I plant this variety every year and enjoy the amazing taste of fresh vegetables."

The Black Prince is a remarkable variety. Many gardeners have taken notice and are planting it in their gardens. Besides its distinctive appearance, these potatoes have incredible flavor. They are disease-resistant and produce excellent yields.