All Blue Potatoes

If you’re looking for a vegetable that’s as stunning as it is useful, look no further than all blue potatoes. These vibrant tubers are a fantastic addition to any garden and kitchen, offering a unique color and excellent nutritional value.

Their deep blue or purple flesh, which often goes right through to the skin, makes any dish visually striking. But they are much more than just a pretty face. They are easy to grow, store well, and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for a potato. Let’s look at how you can bring these gems into your garden and onto your table.

This particular variety is known for its consistent, all-over pigmentation. The color comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries. These compounds are good for you, and they hold their color beautifully when cooked, unlike some other colored varieties that can fade.

Why Grow All Blue Potatoes?

There are several great reasons to dedicate some garden space to these potatoes.

Visual Impact: They add a wow factor to your garden harvest and your meals.
Nutritional Powerhouse: They are rich in antioxidants and have a good amount of potassium and vitamin C.
Gardening Ease: They are grown just like any other potato, with no special tricks needed.
Conversation Starter: They always surprise and delight friends and family who haven’t seen them before.

How to Plant Your All Blue Potatoes

You start with “seed potatoes,” which are small tubers certified disease-free. Don’t use potatoes from the grocery store, as they may be treated to prevent sprouting.

Chitting (Optional): A few weeks before planting, place your seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot to encourage short, sturdy sprouts.
Planting Time: Plant in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before your last frost date. The soil should be workable and not waterlogged.
Soil Prep: Choose a sunny spot. Potatoes like loose, well-draining soil. Mix in some compost or aged manure.
The Planting Process: Plant the seed potatoes about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart, with the sprouts facing up. Rows should be about 2-3 feet apart.

Choosing the Right Planting Method

You can grow them in the ground, in raised beds, or even in large containers. Container growing is perfect if you have limited space. Just ensure whatever pot you use has excellent drainage and is at least 12-15 gallons in size for a good yield.

Caring for Your Growing Potatoes

Consistent care is simple but leads to a much better harvest.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially once the plants flower and start forming tubers. Inconsistent watering can lead to misshapen potatoes.
Hilling: This is the key practice. When plants are about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the base, covering the stems halfway. Repeat every few weeks. This protects tubers from sun (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potatoes to form.
Feeding: A balanced, organic fertilizer at planting and again at hilling is usually sufficient if you started with good soil.

Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

You can harvest “new” potatoes carefully by hand about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature potatoes for storage, wait until the plant foliage turns yellow and dies back completely.

Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil, starting well away from the plant stem to avoid spearing tubers.
Lift the plant and carefully sift through the soil with your hands to find every last potato.
Let the potatoes cure. Brush off excess soil and let them dry in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks. This toughens their skin for storage.
Store cured potatoes in a cool, dark, and humid place. A paper bag or cardboard box in a basement cellar works well. Properly cured All Blues can store for several months.

Cooking with All Blue Potatoes

Their flavor is earthy, nutty, and slightly denser than a russet. They hold their shape fairly well, making them versatile. Here are some classic ways to use them:

Mashed: Creates a stunning purple mash. For a smoother texture, mix with a russet potato.
Roasted: Toss with oil and herbs. The color becomes deep and rich in the oven.
Salads: Perfect for a German-style potato salad or any cold salad where you want color.
Fries and Chips: Make unforgettable blue fries or homemade potato chips.
Boiled or Steamed: A simple side dish that really lets the color shine.

A Simple Roasted All Blue Potatoes Recipe

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Scrub 2 pounds of potatoes and cut them into even 1-inch chunks.
Toss in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and your favorite herbs (rosemary or thyme are great).
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy outside and tender inside. Serve immediately—they’re best hot!

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best gardeners face issues sometimes. Here’s how to handle common ones.

Green Potatoes: Caused by exposure to light. Always hill properly and store in complete darkness. Cut away any green parts before cooking, as they can be bitter.
Pests: Colorado potato beetles are the main foe. Hand-pick them and their orange egg clusters off leaves daily. Row covers can also prevent them from reaching plants.
Diseases: Practice crop rotation (don’t plant potatoes in the same spot for 3-4 years) to prevent soil-borne diseases like blight. Ensure good air flow between plants.
Small Harvest: Often due to soil that is too compacted, inconsistent watering, or not enough sunlight. Loose, fertile soil and regular care are the answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are all blue potatoes the same as purple potatoes?

The terms are often used interchangably, but “All Blue” is a specific heirloom variety with very dark, consistent flesh. Other purple potatoes might have lighter flesh or white rings.

Do blue potatoes taste different?

They have a earthier, slightly nuttier flavor compared to a standard Yukon Gold, but they are not radically different. They are still unmistakably a potato.

Is the blue color natural?

Yes, it is completely natural from plant pigments called anthocyanins. No dyes or genetic modification is involved in traditional varieties.

Can I save my own potatoes to plant next year?

You can, but it’s riskier than buying certified seed potatoes each year. Diseases can accumulate in saved tubers, reducing your yield over time. For best results, start with fresh, certified seed each season.

How do I keep them from turning color when I cook them?

To preserve the brightest blue color, add a little acid like lemon juice or vinegar to the cooking water. For a more purple shade, use a pinch of baking soda (alkaline). Boiling and steaming retains color better than long, high-heat roasting.

Adding all blue potatoes to your garden plan is a decision you won’t regret. They provide a reliable harvest, are simple to care for, and bring a fun, colorful twist to your cooking. From planting that first quirky-looking seed potato to pulling a vibrant bowl of homemade blue mash from your oven, the entire process is satisfying. Give them a try this season—your garden and your dinner plate will thank you for the splash of color.