Your Colorado State University (CSU) Extension team is excited to announce that we have seed potatoes for sale.
We are taking pre-orders now for Colorado certified and non-GMO potatoes. All potatoes are $2 per pound. Cash or check will be accepted at the time of pickup at the CSU Extension Office on May 13 between 1 and 6 p.m., and May 14 and 15 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CSU Extension staff and Master Gardeners will be on-site to answer your questions.
All potatoes were developed by CSU at the San Luis Valley Research Center, where staff work collaboratively, conducting unparalleled work developing potato varieties and enhancing disease and pest control strategies for Colorado growers.
This year your Archuleta County Extension Office is offering five varieties of potatoes for your growing and eating enjoyment:
1. High-yielding yellow potato. The plant of this potato is medium-sized and semi-erect with white flowers. The potato tubers are oval with white (light) skin and yellow flesh. They are resistant to internal defects. They have a very high yield potential and long-term storage potential.
2. Jelly Bean fingerling potato. The plant is medium-sized and semi-erect with red/purple flowers. The attractive tuber looks like a jelly bean with red skin and yellow flesh and some red in the vascular ring. Tubers are resistant to blackspot bruise, growth crack, second growth and hollow heart.
3. Midnight Moon potato. The plant of this potato is medium-sized and semi-erect with blue flowers. The round tubers are attractive with purple skin and yellow flesh. They are resistant to hollow heart, blackspot bruise and second growth. The plant has a high yield potential.
4. Jerry Garcia potato. The plant is large and semi-erect with purple flowers. The attractive tubers are small and oblong with purple skin and purple and yellow flesh (almost like it is tie-dyed). Tubers are resistant to second growth and hollow heart.
5. Masquerade potato. The large plant is semi-erect with dark purple flowers. The round attractive tubers are purple with white bicolor skin and yellow flesh, and are considered to have good flavor attributes. They have a high yield potential and are moderately resistant to hollow heart, blackspot bruise and shatter bruise.
Potatoes are in the plant family Solanaceae. They are related to peppers, tomatoes and eggplants, but are adapted to higher elevations and therefore harsher growing conditions. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber, and are naturally fat free.
Plant your potatoes in an area of the garden with well-drained soil and no low spots where standing water can pool. Potatoes grow best in sandy loam soil. Soils that are high in clay should be tilled to break up large clumps prior to planting.
Potatoes can be planted up to two weeks before the last killing frost. The soil temperature should be at least 55 degrees F during the day and 45 degrees F at night. Seed potatoes should be planted about 4 inches deep and 8-12 inches apart (depending on the type/size of potato). The sprouts, or eyes, should be planted facing up. If you grow potatoes every year, they should be grown in different areas of the garden each year to help control pests and disease, and maintain plant health. Potatoes grow best in a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If you do not know the pH of your soil, you can apply a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (N:P:K) such as a 10–10–10.
Potatoes require consistent soil moisture and need about 2 inches of water per week.
Too much variability can cause growth cracks, irregular shapes and hollow heart.
Typically the highest water need is in late June to early August, when the potato foliage is fully developed.
Potatoes should be harvested before the first severe frost. Indicators of mature potato plants include vine yellowing, vine death and skin set, in which the potato skin does not peel off when rubbed. After harvest, if the potatoes are not eaten immediately, they can be stored in a dark place with high humidity at 50 to 60 degrees F for about two weeks to cure.
Then they are ready for long-term storage in burlap bags in the dark at 40 degrees F.
Enjoy your potatoes in a variety of ways all year long. To learn more and place your potato order, visit https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/seed-potatoes/.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by CSU extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension office, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
Archuleta County Realtor Education Day
Join Archuleta County Weed and Pest Supervisor Ethan Proud and other local experts for an Archuleta County Realtor Education Day on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the CSU Extension building located at 344 U.S. 84.
This program is approved for four continuing education credits. Registration information to come.
This free event is hosted by CSU Extension.
Field to Freezer Course
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be holding a Field to Freezer Course on May 16 and 17 at the CSU Extension building located at 344 U.S. 84.
Trained professionals will teach you how to responsibly care for and process the meat from any big game ungulate in Colorado. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Visit https://forms.gle/owfhB5R8PTpYYHGGA to register.
There are limited spots available. Applications are due by May 9.
