Latona Potato: Description and characteristics of the variety, reviews

The Latona potato is an early variety distinguished by its high yield. Developed by Dutch breeders, it is popular among gardeners in Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova.

The Latona potato is a popular early, high-yielding variety. Developed by Dutch breeders for cultivation in temperate climates, it is considered the most popular vegetable crop in Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova.

Description and characteristics of the Latona potato

Potatoes form tall, upright bushes with large, matte leaves and dense, lush potato tops that mature and die back slowly. The lush tops help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Features of potato tubers:

• round-oval shape;
• smooth light skin;
• medium superficial eyes;
• pale yellow flesh that does not boil soft when cooked;
• the starch level reaches 18 percent;
• The average weight of a potato tuber is 90–120 grams, the maximum possible is 140.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Latona has important advantages:

• increased resistance to mechanical damage;
• the presence of tasty pulp, which allows the potato to be used for preparing various dishes;
• prolonged dying off of green tops, due to which potato tubers grow almost all summer and reach large sizes;
• resistance to adverse weather conditions that are not capable of interfering with crop cultivation;
• optimal transportability, which ensures the successful delivery of potatoes to vegetable markets.

The Latona potato variety is distinguished by its lack of disadvantages, which also contributes to its popularity.

Rules for growing the variety

Before planting potatoes, it is recommended to treat the planting material against pests and infections and use special stimulants to ensure a large and high-quality harvest. This treatment positively impacts the yield potential.

It is recommended to add the following beneficial agents to the soil for growing potatoes:

• ammonium nitrate is applied before planting potatoes and only in spring;
• High-quality manure, lime, and mineral fertilizers are added when growing potatoes and before digging the soil.

The use of fertilizers is essential, as the growth of potatoes and harvest largely depend on it.

The Latona potato variety is practically intolerant of stagnant meltwater, so adequate soil drainage is required for successful root development.

Potatoes should be planted only after the soil has warmed to approximately 8–10°C. The tubers should be planted no more than 10 centimeters deep. Otherwise, low temperatures will negatively impact potato growth.

It is advisable to carefully monitor the planting density, since dense and sparse plantings eliminate the possibility of obtaining the desired volume of harvest.

Care instructions

Watering

During a mild summer, only three waterings are required. Immediately after planting, it's advisable to temporarily suspend watering, as the soil remains saturated with spring moisture. Once the tops begin to actively grow (approximately two weeks after the first shoots emerge), watering becomes essential. Watering is also required after the potato plants begin to bloom and tubers begin to form. The third watering is scheduled based on the soil condition, as it should not be excessively wet or hard.

In each case, after watering, the soil is loosened.

Hilling

Hilling is planned based on the climate and soil, as it increases the internal soil temperature. Potato growth slows if the soil temperature rises above 20 degrees Celsius.

At the same time, hilling removes any crust on the soil surface, which can impede potato development. For this reason, hilling may be necessary if the soil becomes excessively compacted.

Cultivating the space between rows is essential. The main goal is to protect potato tubers from spring frosts, eliminate weeds, maintain optimal moisture, and create conditions for air flow to the potato root system. The first loosening of the space between rows is carried out after potato seedlings emerge. Subsequently, hilling is required after each watering or rainfall and before the potato plants bloom.

Top dressing

The Latona variety requires regular fertilizing.

Three applications of fertilizer are required per season:

• development of young potato tops;
• development of potato buds;
• flowering to accelerate the formation of tubers and strengthen the roots.

Fertilizer is applied only to moist soil each time to ensure it is fully absorbed and has a positive effect on the development of potatoes.

Pest control

Ash is recommended for pest control, as it guarantees effective pest control. Ash is used to prepare a solution for subsequent irrigation and pest control. This prevents potato rot and the appearance of the Colorado potato beetle.

Onion peels are another effective folk remedy. They are added to planting holes, used as mulch, and sprinkled on plants.

Garlic infusion is used to protect against late blight. To make it, finely chop 200 grams of garlic and add water. Let the mixture steep for two days, stir, and then apply it to potatoes. This procedure is repeated two or three times, 10 days apart.

Harvesting and storage

The characteristics of the Latona potato indicate that this variety deserves its high popularity. Latona is an early potato, so it can be harvested in mid-summer.

First, dig up one cube and estimate the size of the tubers, as they should be 3 centimeters in diameter. In July, the early potato harvest is completed. If the tops wither, there will be no more potato harvest in the near future and all the roots have been harvested.

After harvesting, potatoes are dried in the sun. It is believed that sunlight destroys fungi and bacteria, making the potato more nutritious and extending its shelf life. Only healthy, high-quality potatoes are stored.

Fruits with minimal mechanical damage are used first, as they cannot be stored with whole potatoes. This approach allows high-quality potatoes to last longer.

Reviews

Hope:

"Latona is one of the best potato varieties. I grow this potato almost every year, as the yield remains consistently high. Moreover, its nutritional properties and impeccable flavor make it a worthy addition to the summer table."

Ruslana:

"I'm a beginner gardener, so I'm interested in easy and quick potato growing. When I chose the Latona variety, I couldn't even imagine how flawless it would be. Easy care guarantees a bountiful, high-quality harvest. However, you need to carefully monitor watering and soil moisture, as the biggest risks for Latona are excess moisture and active soil rot. Regardless, you can successfully grow potatoes and get a decent harvest."