Most of the time, gardeners are patient regarding the plantation, growth, and fruiting of their plants whether these are fruits or these are vegetables. But if some vegetables or fruit, especially in the case of vegetables, like warba potatoes are ready to be harvested in the timeliest manner then it motivates the gardeners.
If you want the same, like you want to harvest the earliest potatoes, at the time when others are just blooming, which you can enjoy a lot in baking and eating, then you need to know how to plant Warba potatoes.
Warba Potatoes
Warba potatoes are not like the other potatoes. This plant is native to the United States of America. Its breed was developed in the United States by the cross of two other breeds in the state of Minnesota in the year of 1927. It is commonly grown in the US and Canada.
Warba potatoes are white and also have white flesh inside. The tubers or you can say the eyes of the potatoes are pink in color. Most of the time Warba potatoes are consumed after boiling and roasting. These potatoes are too waxy to fry. So, you can try it with many other dishes, or you can eat it the way told above.
These potatoes are the first to be harvested that is you can harvest them in the late spring or early summer. It is the very time when most of the breeds of potatoes are just sprouting. So you can expect a good source of nutrition earlier than potato varieties.
Why Plant Warba Potatoes?
What are Warba potatoes good for?
First of all, we all know that potatoes are one of the main ingredients in everyone’s food on this planet of earth. It is rich in nutrients and fulfills the very basic needs of food. You can use it by boiling or roasting or with many other dishes, in short, it will provide an early and cheap source of great nutrition.
Secondly, this plant is easy to take care of. You just need to take mild care at the start of the process till the potato sprouts. Then you need little care, and you are good to go. With such little care, you are going to get a very valuable result in the end.
Moreover, the Warba potatoes can be grown in most parts of the world including zone 4 and above of the United States of America. As it is the first harvest of the spring in terms of vegetables and potatoes, it gives a soothing effect while harvesting this very gift of nature.
In a nutshell, you can say it should be adopted and added to the garden because it is the full package of motivation and finally a very valuable and nutritious harvest.
How to Grow Warba Potatoes
We all know potatoes can be grown in any soil and they can perform well in the end. But if the soil is deep, fertile, and well-drained then it is at its best. If the moisture and sunlight are kept according to instructions, then you are going to get a very good crop.
Selection of Seeds
Usually, you will find two types of potatoes in the market. One is used for cultivation and the other is used for the eating purpose. You need to get the certified seeds because the germination and growth rate of the certified seeds is better than other common seeds available on the market.
Try to get seeds that are small in size. Otherwise, you would have to cut the bigger-sized potatoes with two or three sprouts’ buds (eyes) on each piece. Also, buy the seeds when the climate is warm enough to sow the seeds of Warba potatoes. This way you can select the right seed.
Potatoes are tolerant to cold temperatures. Temperature up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit minimum is good to sow the seeds of Warba potatoes. Selection of the right time and climate is important, otherwise, you people will need to create the optimal environment for the Warba potatoes to go smoothly and effectively.
Sprouting the Warba Potatoes Seeds
Sprouting the potatoes before sowing is an international tradition. It indicates which potato will survive or not. Also, you can check the sizes and cut the potatoes according to the need of the hour. This sprouting will not take more than two to three weeks. This will help in selecting which potato to plant or not.
Selection of Soil for the Warba Potatoes
First of all, till the soil well and add the organic composted matter to the soil. Seek for any weeds in the soil and take them out. Make sure the drainage of the soil is proper. Excess water in the potatoes causes roots to rot.
Try to use the soil, which is not been in use for some time like three months or less.
The pH of the soil between 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for the Warba potatoes. When the soil is well tilled and the organic mixture is well mixed, then start making a place for sowing the potatoes. You can add chemical fertilizers like ammonia (urea) or phosphorus mixed fertilizers.
These fertilizers are sometimes needed because potatoes are full of nutrition, and they need nutrients to grow smoothly. Make sure you have selected the space for the Warba potatoes which have sunlight exposure. It is because Warba potatoes need quite a bit of sunlight exposure.
Planting the Warba Potatoes Seeds
Prepare the trenches in advance. You need to plant the seeds (tubers) at the depth of 3 to 4 inches, keeping the distance of around 12 inches. Also, keep the distance of the trenches around 34 inches apart. It is important to slightly moisten the soil before the sowing of the seeds in the trenches.
You can plant these potatoes in two different ways. You can add the soil after sowing the plant. Then you will just need to take care of the water and other things. Or you can wait for potatoes to grow and can add the soil step by step alongside the base of the plant as it is growing.
Add a good amount of soil while opting for any method because potatoes need soil to grow and prosper. You can add mulch two or three times in the whole period of growth. Don’t irrigate the Warba potatoes till the potatoes start sprouting out of the soil. It will help in avoiding diseases.
Taking Care of Warba Potatoes Plants
Taking care of the Warba potatoes is quite easy. You just need mild care so that it continues its smooth progress to ripening.
Watering
Watering the Warba potatoes is important. You need to keep up with the required moisture. Don’t let the Warba potatoes dry out. You can check the upper layer of the soil with your finger whether there is enough moisture or not. Avoid over-watering. This can result in the rotting of plants and roots.
Use of Fertilizers
The use of fertilizers is important for the Warba potatoes. The color of the leaves will tell you about the requirement for water and fertilizers. You need to add some ammonia or phosphorus mixed fertilizers. Use preferably ammonia mixed (urea).
Pests and Diseases
Late Blight is a disease of the Warba potatoes. Its symptoms include water-soaked spots on the stems and the leaves of the plant. You can check it and consult with the nearby horticulturist in the area, according to the situation. It can be avoided by selecting good seeds, no watering during sprouting, and careful watering after sprouting.
Are Warba potatoes scab resistant?
Others include wireworms and common fungal diseases named scabs. If you see scabs treat them accordingly. If plants are not sprouting at all, there can be wireworms. You can treat them through the bait, or with recommendations of horticulturists.
Harvesting the Warba Potatoes
How long do Warba potatoes take to grow?
You can harvest the Warba potatoes after 7 to 8 weeks. But harvesting after the plants have died or started to die is good. You need to dig deep to approach all the harvest. After getting all the potatoes out, you should keep them in the shade but in an outside atmosphere to make the peel firm and strong.
Now, these potatoes are ready to be stored and to be eaten. You should check the potatoes which are in storage and get any potato out if it is softening.
Companion plants
Garlic, carrots, corn, marigold, onions, peas, and some other plants do well when planted along with or near the Warba potatoes.
As a gardener, these Warba potatoes are indeed a great gift from mother nature. You can store them for a longer period in a dark place, and by keeping a check on them it can last long.
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References
https://www.smartgardener.com/plants/2643-potato-warba/diseases/580-scab
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