If you’re looking to add a pop of color and a boost of nutrition to your garden and your plate, you should consider growing all blue potatoes. These naturally vibrant and nutritious tubers are a fantastic choice for any gardener.
They’re not just visually striking. They also pack a serious nutritional punch and are just as easy to grow as their more common cousins. Let’s look at how you can grow, harvest, and enjoy these unique potatoes in your own backyard.
All Blue Potatoes
The name says it all. All Blue potatoes are a heritage variety known for their deep, blue-purple flesh that extends all the way through. Their skin is a darker, almost indigo color. This stunning color is completely natural, caused by high levels of antioxidants called anthocyanins.
These are the same compounds found in blueberries and red cabbage. The color holds well when cooked, making them a spectacular ingredient.
Why Grow All Blue Potatoes?
There are several great reasons to dedicate some garden space to these colorful spuds:
- Nutritional Powerhouse: The anthocyanins that give them their color are potent antioxidants linked to various health benefits, including supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Garden Conversation Starter: They never fail to impress fellow gardeners or family when you harvest them. Kids especially love the fun color.
- Excellent Culinary Properties: They have a moist, firm texture and a rich, earthy flavor that’s slightly nutty. They hold their shape nicely in salads and roasts.
- Good Storability: When cured and stored properly, they can last for several months in a cool, dark place.
How to Plant Your All Blue Potatoes
Potatoes are grown from “seed potatoes,” which are small tubers specifically grown for planting. Don’t use potatoes from the grocery store, as they may be treated to prevent sprouting.
1. Timing and Preparation
Plant your seed potatoes about 2-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost. The soil should be workable and not waterlogged. Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct light.
Potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.8 to 6.5). If your soil is heavy clay, consider growing in raised beds or containers.
2. Chitting (Pre-sprouting)
This optional step gives you a head start. Place your seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot (not direct sun) for a few weeks before planting. This encourages short, sturdy sprouts to form.
3. The Planting Process
- Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 1-2 “eyes” or sprouts. Let the cut pieces dry for a day to form a callus.
- Dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep.
- Place seed pieces about 12 inches apart in the trench, with the eyes facing upward.
- Cover with 4 inches of soil.
- Space your rows about 2-3 feet apart to allow for hilling later.
Caring for Your Growing Potatoes
Consistent care is simple but key to a good harvest of all blue potatoes.
Watering
Provide about 1-2 inches of water per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Irregular watering can lead to misshapen tubers. Its best to water deeply at the base of the plant.
Hilling
This is the most important task. When the plants are about 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around the base, covering about half the stem. Repeat this every few weeks as the plant grows.
Hilling protects the developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic), supports the plant, and increases your yield.
Fertilizing and Weeding
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth instead of potatoes. Keep the area well-weeded, as potatoes don’t compete well for nutrients.
Harvesting and Storing Your Crop
When to Harvest
You can harvest “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature, storage-sized potatoes, wait until the plant’s foliage has completely died back and turned yellow/brown.
How to Harvest
- Use a digging fork, inserting it carefully about a foot away from the plant to avoid spearing tubers.
- Gently lift the soil and sift through with your hands to find all the potatoes.
Curing and Storage
Don’t wash the potatoes right away. Let them cure in a dark, well-ventilated place at about 50-60°F for 10-14 days. This toughens their skin for storage. After curing, brush off any dry soil and store them in a cool (38-45°F), humid, and completely dark place, like a root cellar or a ventilated box in a basement.
Common Pests and Problems
- Colorado Potato Beetle: Hand-pick the orange larvae and adults off leaves. Row covers can prevent them.
- Blights: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like early and late blight.
- Green Potatoes: This is caused by exposure to light. Always hill properly and store in total darkness. Green parts contain solanine and should be cut off before cooking.
How to Use All Blue Potatoes in the Kitchen
Their vibrant color makes them a star in many dishes. They are perfect for:
- Mashing (for a stunning purple mash)
- Roasting or baking
- Potato salads
- Boiling for a colorful side
- Making homemade colorful chips or fries
A simple roast is a great way to start: toss cubed All Blues with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F until crispy. Their flavor really shines through.
FAQ About All Blue Potatoes
Are blue potatoes natural?
Yes, their color is completely natural, coming from anthocyanin pigments.
Do blue potatoes taste different?
They have a rich, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor compared to standard white potatoes, but they are not overly strong.
Is the blue potato color healthy?
Yes, the anthocyanins that create the blue color are powerful antioxidants with noted health benefits.
Can I grow blue potatoes in a container?
Absolutely. Use a large container (at least 10-15 gallons) with drainage holes and follow the same planting and hilling process using potting mix.
Where can I buy All Blue seed potatoes?
Look at online garden retailers, local nurseries, or seed catalogs in late winter and early spring. They are a popular heritage variety.
Growing all blue potatoes is a rewarding experience that combines gardening fun with culinary excitement. With there striking color and reliable growth habits, they are a wonderful addition to any garden plot. Give them a try this season—you’ll be amazed by the vibrant harvest you can pull from your own soil.