Potato "Handsome": characteristics and cultivation
Regardless of the crop grown, every summer resident wants to get a rich harvest. Among the huge variety of fruit plants, certain species are in special demand among Russian gardeners. Both experienced gardeners and beginners in the agricultural sector are engaged in growing potatoes. There are many varieties of this plant. Let's dwell separately on the "Handsome" potato.
Variety Description
Growing potatoes requires special efforts, considerable time and effort. Each variety has individual characteristics, including yield, taste, care features and other factors. When choosing a variety, summer residents are based on the climate in the region and personal preferences.
The variety "Handsome" is especially popular. The varietal species received this name due to the many positive qualities and attractive appearance of the tubers. This type of plant is used in the production of dry puree, as well as cooking in cafes and restaurants.
Juicy and thick pulp is painted in a delicate cream shade. Fruits are characterized by high keeping quality (the ability to maintain freshness during long-term storage). Despite the resistance, the plant often suffers from the golden nematode. The variety is resistant to attacks from various diseases, including potato cancer.
Fruit
Potato "Krasavchik" has excellent taste. The shape of the tubers is oval. Color - rich dark pink (burgundy). Experts note that the fruits of this variety contain a lot of starch. The indicator varies from 12.5 to 17.8%. Due to this characteristic, the product is boiled soft and you can prepare a tender and tasty puree.
There is a practice in which most summer residents begin to dig up a vegetable immediately after the ovary of the tops, fearing that frosts will spoil it. Doing this is strongly not recommended for the reason that this type of potato likes to stay longer in the soil.
The safety of the fruit significantly depends on the time of harvest, despite the excellent keeping quality. After the tops dry, it will not be a problem to remove them from the site. The harvest period is from August to September.
The average weight of one vegetable is from 140 to 170 grams. In damp soil, the fruits may begin to rot.
Subject to the agrotechnics of cultivation, the fruits are the same in size with a flat and uniform surface.
Bush
The color of the foliage of the above variety is standard - rich green. The inflorescences are painted white with a slight bluish tint. If a shrub starts to hurt, it is easy to distinguish it from healthy representatives of the flora. Golden balls appear on the roots of the shrub, which indicate the golden nematode disease.
Gastronomic qualities
Considering the reviews of gardeners, it is safe to say that the Handsome variety is a delicious potato that even sophisticated gourmets will like. Due to the high content of starch in fruits, it is considered universal.It is noted that this type is ideal for both French fries and regular frying.
When cooked, the fruits perfectly retain their shape, due to which they are often used to make soup and jacket potatoes. Also pay attention to this variety of vegetable when preparing salads and dishes in the oven. In the process of heat treatment, the roots retain their color and do not darken.
Conclusion - the variety "Handsome" can be safely used for both cold and hot dishes.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The above potato variety has the following positive aspects:
- excellent taste qualities, regardless of the type of cooked dishes;
- unpretentiousness to the ground;
- excellent yield;
- after harvesting, the fruits retain their freshness and marketable appearance for a long time;
- resistance to potato cancer and other ailments;
- versatility in the food industry;
- attractive appearance.
Experts from the agrosphere and experienced gardeners note that this type of potato has practically no drawbacks. The only negative is the susceptibility to the golden cyst nematode. The pest can destroy many fruit bushes.
yield
The mid-early variety "Krasavchik" with proper cultivation and care demonstrates a high yield. From one bush you can collect up to five kilograms of fruit. The maximum yield from one hundred of plantings is 284 kilograms. The average figure varies from 169 to 201 kilograms. From the moment the first shoots appear to the harvest of fruits, it takes from 60 to 80 days.
Correct fit
The first thing to note is that this type of potato cannot be grown every year and on the territory of the same location. The variety is re-planted only after 3 years. In the process, certain rules must be followed.
- Potatoes love sunlight, so choose a well-lit location. Make sure the light falls evenly. Seedlings are planted from north to south.
- For abundant fruiting, the composition of the soil is important. The optimal acidity is from 5 to 5.5. Otherwise, it is necessary to carry out the liming procedure.
- The soil is dug up in autumn. Recycle the top layer with a depth of 25 to 30 centimeters.
- After you need to feed the earth. Add a kilogram of wood ash and 300 kg of manure to the soil.
- In the process of planting, use only healthy seedlings. Before this, the root crops are heated, germinated, and left to warm up in the sun for a certain period of time.
- Most summer residents treat the plant with a special growth regulator before planting in the ground. Such means as "Zircon" and "Epion" are popular.
- Make a large transverse cut on the potato so that the buds begin to grow faster.
plant care
To achieve a rich harvest, it is necessary to properly care for the plant. Potatoes are unpretentious in care, but regular watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil and removing weeds on the site are necessary for stable and abundant fruiting. If necessary, carry out irrigation procedures. With their help, you can achieve excellent results in growing vegetables on any soil.
Experts note that the process of caring for the "Handsome" variety does not differ much from standard procedures.
- The soil for the vegetable must be fed during the growth of the crop.
- Experienced summer residents recommend one fertilization of root crops with organic matter. Bird droppings or mullein are used.Before use, the litter is diluted in water, the calculation is 1-2 liters of the composition per plant.
- Manure is applied to the soil before planting a vegetable, under a plant. This procedure will increase the yield several times. Potatoes can also be fed after planting.
- At the end of the flowering of the plant, it is time for foliar fertilization.
- Fertilizers containing nitrogen can only be used in combination with potassium.
Common pests
As noted above in the article, this variety is practically not susceptible to diseases. However, there is a parasite that is extremely dangerous for the Pretty Boy, and this is the golden nematode. It is worth noting that this pest spoils not only the above variety of vegetables, but also other types of potatoes. As soon as the insect settles next to the plant or inside the shrub, the leaves begin to quickly wither and dry out.
The shrub loses its rich green color in a short time, turns yellow and dies. Also, the attacks from this pest are indicated by the curved shape of the stems and the complete absence of flowering. The root system turns brown. One of the main characteristics of the affected plant is golden balls on the roots of shrubs. The fruits grow very small.
The fight against the parasite
To combat the pest, experienced gardeners recommend using the Tiazon tool. The product can be purchased at any gardening store. When using, consider the toxicity of the product. The composition is applied to the soil a month after planting.
Organic mixtures such as mullein infusion and bird droppings are also used.
Reviews
At the end of the article, consider the reviews left by users.Opinions about the variety "Handsome" are shared by both experienced gardeners and ordinary summer residents from different regions of the country. After analyzing the thematic sites, we can say with confidence that the plant was rated at a high level. Most of the reviews are positive.
The first thing that users noted was the excellent yield and resistance of the plant to diseases. Also, gardeners drew attention to the unpretentiousness in care, due to which it will not be difficult to achieve excellent fruiting.
Many appreciated the excellent taste of the product and its versatility from a gastronomic point of view. Dishes prepared from potatoes of this type will appeal to the whole family.
There are practically no negative reviews, however, some noted that they choose other, early varieties for growing in summer cottages and gardens.
For an overview of this and other high-yielding potato varieties, see below.