Seed Potatoes: Red Duke Of York - Autumn Planting For Christmas Harvest

Due Back In Stock In July 2026

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Name: Seed Potatoes: Red Duke Of York

Latin Name: Solanum tuberosum

Organic or Conventional: Conventional

Treated or Untreated: Treated with Imazalil for storage purposes

Amount: 1kg (Approx 7 to 12 tubers)

Cropping Time: First Early

Seed Potato Size: Minimun size grade of 35mm and a maximum size grade of 60mm

Origin: Ireland/Scotland

Description: As one of the few early varieties with vibrant red skin, Red Duke of York stands out both in the garden and in the kitchen. This variety produces round, shallow-eyed tubers with creamy yellow flesh and a texture perfect for baking and roasting.

Fast-growing and high-yielding, it’s a favourite among garden growers, especially when left to mature fully for large, flavorful bakers. Having earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Red Duke of York is celebrated as one of the best early varieties, consistently valued by supermarkets and retailers.

Cooking: Use for Baking, Boiling, Chipping, Roasting.

How to Grow Red Duke Of York Seed Potatoes for a Christmas Harvest

When to Plant:

• Plant in August or early September while the soil is still warm. This gives the potatoes time to develop foliage and start forming tubers before the colder months set in.

Where to Plant:

• Choose a warm, sheltered spot in your garden that gets as much sun as possible.

• For best results, grow in containers, raised beds, or bags, which are easier to move and protect.

• If possible, grow in a polytunnel or greenhouse to give the plants a much better chance of avoiding frost damage.

How to Plant:

1. Chit the seed potatoes for a few days in a bright, cool place until small shoots appear.

2. Fill a container orwith 10–15 cm of compost or fertile soil, or plant in a trench.

3. Plant the seed potatoes about 10 cm deep and 30 cm apart.

4. Cover with compost/soil and water well.

5. As the plants grow, earth up by adding more compost or soil around the stems to encourage more tuber production.

Caring for the Plants:

• Water regularly during dry spells, especially while the tubers are forming.

• (Optional) - Feed with a balanced fertiliser every couple of weeks to support steady growth.

• Keep the area weed-free and well-drained.

Frost Protection – Very Important:

Frost is the biggest threat to autumn-planted potatoes. Even a light frost can kill off the foliage and stop tuber development entirely.

• Cover with fleece or horticultural fabric at night, especially during cold snaps.

• Move containers under cover (into a shed, greenhouse, or polytunnel) when colder weather arrives.

• In colder regions or exposed gardens, growing in a polytunnel or greenhouse is strongly recommended.

• If frost is forecast and plants can’t be protected, it’s best to cut back the foliage and lift the crop early to prevent losses.

Harvesting:

• Harvest when the plants naturally die back or around mid to late December.

• If needed, you can lift the potatoes earlier and store them in a cool, dry place until Christmas.