In the modern world, a wide variety of cultivated plants play a vital role, and the Zhukovsky Early potato holds a special place among them. Our article today is devoted to the variety's description, characteristics, planting, care, and storage features. You can also view photos and read reviews here.
People who have tried planting the Zhukovsky Early potato in their gardens report being impressed by the variety's description and characteristics. They claim that even a photo can reveal the plant's beauty and uniqueness, much less taste it. Reviews of the crop have been overwhelmingly positive.
Description of the Zhukovsky Early potato
The Zhukovsky Early potato, a description of which is of interest to many gardeners, is distinguished by its undemanding nature. An excellent harvest can be obtained throughout the Russian Federation, excluding the Far North. The potato crop matures within two months of planting.
The Zhukovsky potato variety, whose photo and description alone are sure to whet your appetite and tempt you to try it, was developed in the early 1990s by a group of Moscow breeders. Following successful trials in 1993, the Zhukovsky potato was added to the State Register of the Russian Federation. It was specifically bred for cultivation in temperate climates characterized by a short summer period.
The Zhukovsky potato variety, whose characteristics, reviews, and photos are striking in their originality, offers a number of advantages, making it a favorite of many amateur gardeners and professional breeders:
- The tubers have a beautiful and neat appearance. The skin is smooth and thin. It is pink in color, but some specimens have a rich reddish hue. Each potato of this variety weighs between 165 and 200 g. The fruits are available in both round and oval shapes, distinguished by their harmonious appearance.
- Small eyes can sometimes be seen on the surface of the tuber, which can be located throughout the entire vegetable. The tubers have white flesh that does not darken when cut with a knife;
- Potato plants are medium-sized and semi-spreading. The stems are branched, with dark green leaves growing on each branch. These large, dissected leaves feature visible veins and a small amount of down. Flowering occurs for a short period of time. The corolla of the inflorescences is reddish-purple, with whitish tips. The flowers do not produce fruit.
- The Zhukovsky potato variety ripens within 55-65 days after planting the tubers in the ground;
- Each bush is capable of producing 9 to 11 fruits. There are specimens that can produce up to 15 tubers;
- the variety is highly resistant to the effects of pathogenic bacteria and potato insect pests;
- can produce an excellent harvest even in drought conditions and when the temperature drops to plus 10 degrees Celsius;
- The tubers can be stored without any problems for almost a year, and they are not subject to rotting.
Advantages and disadvantages of Zhukovsky potatoes
Anyone who enjoys the roots of this early potato variety will be amazed by its neat appearance and short ripening time. The Zhukovsky Early potato variety boasts a number of advantages:
- Resistance to drought conditions.
- Stability of productivity.
- Early ripening of fruits.
- The prolongation of the fruiting process.
- The variety is distinguished by its ability to maintain its marketable appearance for a long time.
- Resistant to nematodes, late blight, potato cancer disease, and mechanical damage.
- Can be stored for a very long time without losing its taste.
Like other garden crops, Zhukovskaya early potatoes have a few disadvantages:
- It has almost no resistance to the negative effects of late blight and alternaria.
- Characterized by average taste of root vegetables.
- Tubers can rot if there is too much moisture in the soil.
Secrets of growing
The Zhukovsky ranniy potato, which boasts increased resistance to low temperatures compared to other varieties, can germinate quite early. Hobby gardeners plant the prepared seed potatoes in mid-April.
To ensure rapid germination of seed potatoes, place them in prepared boxes ahead of time and leave them in favorable room conditions for two weeks. During this time, the seed potatoes should be covered with something that will diffuse the sun's rays. To promote rapid germination, periodically moisten and turn the potatoes.
Along with the above procedures, they should be disinfected. A potassium permanganate solution is ideal for this procedure. Disinfect the fruits once every 7 days. At the same time, treat them for various diseases and potato pests. Special chemicals can be used for this purpose. They can repel parasitic insects and reduce the risk of a wide variety of diseases that can lead to plant death.
After the sprouts have formed and are 1 cm long, the root crops should be planted in a prepared area, having first dug it up and added various fertilizers.
The Zhukovsky potato variety, whose characteristics suggest early planting, is still susceptible to frost. It is usually planted in mid-April. Recently, frosts have been common in almost all regions of the Russian Federation, with the exception of the southern regions, in April and May. To reduce the risk of frost, the plot should be covered with a special material containing agronomic fiber.
Care instructions
The Zhukovsky potato, a variety described as easy-to-grow, can be grown without any problems. To grow a bountiful harvest, follow these basic care steps.
- The area between rows is weeded and the soil is loosened. These measures will promote better crop growth.
- The Zhukovsky potato, which is known to thrive even in dry conditions, still requires watering. The amount of water should be moderate. Important: If the summer is dry, apply 5 liters of water per square meter.
- Hilling potatoes is considered important. This helps protect the tubers from excess moisture and aerates the root system. Hilling should be done 2-3 times per season, which promotes plant survival and increases potato weight. It is essential to perform the procedure when the plants begin to flower. This procedure can be repeated later if necessary.
- The Zhukovsky ranniy potato variety, which is characterized by its low resistance to pests, must be protected from parasites (Colorado potato beetles and mole crickets). These pests cause significant damage to plants. These insects should be repelled or destroyed using specialized pesticides.
The ripening period of the Zhukovsky ranniy potato varies from 55 to 65 days after the appearance of the first shoots.
Harvesting and storage
Once the Zhukovsky early potato has ripened, gardeners begin to wonder when and how to dig. Once ripening is complete, harvesting can be done mechanically or with a shovel. Reviews from ordinary people about the early Zhukovsky potato variety only confirm the longer shelf life of the tubers when stored in a cool place. For this purpose, the potatoes can be stored in a cellar. This should ensure an optimal temperature, which will ensure the roots have a presentable appearance and the best taste.
Reviews
The Zhukovsky potato, a variety with numerous reviews and characteristics available online, is a favorite among many gardeners for planting in their gardens. Those who have planted the Zhukovsky Early potato variety say the root characteristics influenced their choice. Their reviews indicate that this variety produces a bountiful harvest of delicious and unique fruits with minimal labor.
Svetlana Petrovna, 58 years old, Voronezh:
"I heard about the Zhukovsky Early potato completely by chance. I found a description of the variety online, looked through numerous photos, and read user reviews. My husband, daughter, and I love pink potatoes. Our plot is small, just 500 square meters, but the harvest was so large that it was enough not only for our family but also for a neighbor who asked to sell us a few bags. The potatoes stored well, didn't rot, and small sprouts appeared only in February. I was also attracted by the fact that they don't overcook or brown during cooking. I recommend them to everyone."
Petr Vasilievich, 63 years old, Khabarovsk:
"After retiring, I became interested in gardening and vegetable growing. My daughter recently told me she bought Zhukovsky potatoes. She praised them so much and showed me photos, so I decided to try planting some seeds myself. But first, I read the variety description to learn more about all the pros and cons."
https://youtu.be/nTZ48wBFAYg
It turns out the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. I planted it and was not disappointed. Just two months later, I tasted it. I recommend it to everyone!

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