Solanum tuberosum 'Ratte'

Second early potato varieties are usually ready from mid-July onwards, and may be dug as new potatoes to follow on from first earlies, but are equally successful as storing potatoes.

Solanum tuberosum 'Ratte' is a classic second early French potato variety. It bears long, smooth-skinned tubers with waxy, yellow, flesh. The potatoes are delicious steamed or boiled and eaten hot or cold.

Prepare the soil well before planting and incorporate plenty of organic matter such as compost or rotted manure worked in will improve yields considerably, as will a thorough soak two weeks before lifting.