Pentland Javelin seed potatoes produce an attractive early crop with white skin, white flesh and a good flavour. Lift them young for boiling and serving with butter and fresh herbs, or allow them to develop into larger potatoes with a more floury texture.

Bred by Jack Dunnett at Pentlandfield and introduced in 1968, this first early variety combines a neat, rounded appearance with good tuber numbers. Its presentation makes it an appealing choice for exhibition growers, while its cooking qualities give it a useful place in the kitchen garden.

Key features

• Cropping type: First early.

• Tubers: Rounded, with white skin and white flesh.

• Cooking: Ideal for boiling young and serving in salads.

• Garden appeal: Good tuber numbers and an attractive exhibition appearance.

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

Planting and care

Plant around late March in fertile, well-drained soil, spacing 30cm apart in rows 60cm apart. Earth up developing shoots, protect from frost and water in dry weather.

Harvest

Usually June–July from spring planting. Pentland Javelin can take a little longer than some first earlies to bulk up, so check tuber size before lifting.