Charlotte seed potatoes produce delicious salad potatoes with yellow flesh and a firm, waxy texture that holds its shape when cooked. Enjoy them warm with butter and fresh herbs, or leave them to cool before slicing into a dressed potato salad.

This second early variety produces long, oval tubers of a generally even size, with good yield potential. Introduced in 1981, Charlotte is a useful choice for gardeners who want a summer potato for boiling, steaming and serving hot or cold. Grow it in a vegetable bed or a large patio container within easy reach of the kitchen.

Key features

• Cropping type: Second early salad potato.

• Tubers: Long and oval, with yellow flesh.

• Texture: Firm and waxy; holds its shape when cooked.

• Cooking: Ideal for boiling, steaming and salads.

• Introduced: 1981.

• Supplied as: A 2kg bag of seed potatoes for planting.

Planting and care

Plant in early to mid-April in fertile, well-drained soil, spacing 30cm apart in rows 60cm apart. Earth up developing shoots, protect from frost and water regularly, especially in containers.

Harvest

Usually July–August from spring planting. Check tuber size and lift young for tender salad potatoes.