Picasso Potato: Variety Description, Characteristics, and Photos

Picasso is a Dutch potato variety that has gained particular popularity in Russia. Beginner and experienced gardeners alike will appreciate the benefits and flavor of the Picasso potato. The Picasso potato variety's description, photos, and reviews demonstrate the potential for a bountiful, high-quality harvest with proper care.

The description, photos, and reviews of the Picasso potato variety are especially noteworthy for both novice and experienced gardeners. Anyone who grows a vegetable garden can appreciate the potential for a bountiful and high-quality harvest. The most important thing is to ensure proper potato care.

Description and characteristics of the Picasso potato

Productivity

Picasso is a potato variety that was invented in the Netherlands and was included in the State Register of Varieties of the Russian Federation in the mid-1990s.

Picasso is a high-yielding variety. One hectare can yield up to 20 tons of potatoes. The maximum yield sometimes reaches 50 tons. Gardeners report that the yield of marketable tubers exceeds 90%.

Why do agronomists choose this variety?

Gardeners choose the Picasso potato because of its following characteristics:

• the average weight of potatoes is 80 – 140 grams;
• Potatoes have a high starch content (up to 10 - 12 percent), which guarantees the possibility of preparing delicious potato dishes;
• it is expected that a good harvest will be possible, since one bush can produce up to 20 tubers;
• the taste characteristics of potatoes can be appreciated even by gourmets;
• A long shelf life ensures that the potatoes can be used even in winter, which is why it is recommended to purchase Picasso for the winter;
• potatoes can be used to prepare any dish, as they do not boil too much and retain their consistency;
• ripe fruits are ideal for transportation, so they can be sold;
• Potatoes can easily withstand almost any weather conditions.

The description of the Picasso potato variety confirms the possibility of obtaining a tasty and high-quality harvest.

Advantages and disadvantages

Picasso is one of the most popular potato varieties. It has the perfect potato aroma and flavor. Furthermore, its long shelf life makes it ideal for culinary use. These qualities make Picasso a popular choice at vegetable markets.

Experienced gardeners also note the following advantages:

• increased resistance to parasites, viruses and diseases;
• demonstration of resistance to temperature fluctuations;
• resistance to drought and high humidity.

Successful cultivation of the Picasso potato variety is accessible even to novice gardeners.

Growing rules

Picasso is a late-ripening potato variety, so planting should take place in the second half of spring, when any frosts have passed and the air has warmed up to above-zero temperatures.

The pre-sowing germination period for potato tubers is extremely important. To achieve this, the potatoes are placed in a bright, warm place. The tubers are treated with special stimulating preparations.

The large size of the bushes and potato tubers dictates the correct planting pattern: the minimum distance between rows should be 50 centimeters.

Care instructions

The Picasso potato variety requires a specific approach to caring for the vegetable crop.

1. After the first fairly tall shoots appear, it is recommended to carry out hilling and weeding.
2. The second hilling is performed after flower buds appear. After approximately 1.5 weeks, full flowering should begin.
3. Preventive measures to protect potatoes from diseases and pests should be carried out regularly.
4. For successful potato development, regular use of potassium is recommended.
5. During dry periods, it is recommended to water plants every 1.5 weeks. The amount of watering depends on the air temperature and humidity.

Proper care of the Picasso potato variety guarantees a rich and tasty harvest.

Diseases and pests

Picasso has a well-developed immune system and increased resistance to viruses and diseases. However, this vegetable crop is vulnerable to late blight. This disease can reduce the yield by almost half. Only timely detection of the problem guarantees the survival of the potato crop.

To protect the plant, it is recommended to spray the bushes with complex fungicides and earth up the plants. If late blight has affected the bushes, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves. Chemical treatments are required several times, spaced a couple of weeks apart.

Reviews

The description of the Picasso potato and reviews of this variety confirm the main advantages of this vegetable crop.

Galina:

"Picasso is a late-ripening potato variety developed by Dutch breeders. Adherence to proper cultivation practices guarantees a bountiful harvest, with average-sized, high-quality tubers expected. Picasso is resistant to virtually all diseases and pests, but late blight remains the greatest risk. Regular hilling and preventative treatments support a healthy immune system. Picasso impresses with its impeccable potato flavor. It's worth noting that the harvest has a long shelf life and doesn't dry out or rot. I'm very pleased with this variety."

Julia:

"The Picasso potato variety is one of the most common. Beginner gardeners will appreciate the vegetable's strong immune system, which means even the risk of late blight is virtually eliminated. Properly treating the tubers guarantees a bountiful harvest, which can be used extensively for culinary purposes."

Veronica:

"Picasso is a popular potato variety. This vegetable crop exhibits exceptional resistance to the Colorado potato beetle and late blight. At the same time, it is not genetically modified, guaranteeing impeccable potato flavor and nutritional value. Potato care is easy, making Picasso ideal even for novice gardeners. The harvest lasts almost all winter, but cleaning the fruit often requires more time and effort. In any case, Picasso is an ideal choice for both home and professional gardening."

Marina:

"The Picasso potato is one of the most common and popular varieties in Russia. This vegetable is resistant to diseases and pests. At the same time, a bountiful harvest is guaranteed even with minimal fertilizer use. The fruits are medium-sized, which is also one of their most important advantages. The Picasso is a potato worth considering."

The characteristics of the Picasso potato determine the popularity of this variety, which was invented in Holland and has won the recognition of many domestic gardeners.