Description of the Sineglazka potato variety, its cultivation and care
Traditionally, the Republic of Belarus is called the "potato power", but in Russia this crop also occupies a lot of sown areas at the level of private farms. Sineglazka potatoes have been loved and revered by our compatriots for more than one decade. In a warm, not rainy summer, the harvest can be high, and the tubers come out large and even. If the temperature in the summer months is below normal, it rains, then this negatively affects the yield, the tubers become smaller, the taste of the potatoes deteriorates noticeably.
For all the nuances, Sineglazka's characteristic is positive. In particular, it adequately resists diseases such as:
- potato cancer;
- scab;
- golden nematode.
To avoid troubles, experts advise purchasing high-quality seed potatoes from a trusted seller. It is not recommended to plant tubers from your own reserve, and after several seasons the variety must be completely renewed.
"Talking" name
It is as easy as shelling pears to recognize the roots of the described variety among others - by their oval-oblong shape, blue shoots and pale purple peel. Blue eyes gave the name to this culture.
For reference: the Sineglazka variety was bred in the USSR by specialist Demin in the late 40s. The scientist achieved success on the basis of crossing several types of cultivated potatoes with wild ones.
The hybrid was tested at several experimental stations and was initially highly praised by experts. However, industrial cultivation has shown that potatoes cannot withstand long-term storage.
We will begin the description of the variety with the fact that Sineglazka belongs to the category of potato varieties of medium ripeness. This is a potato with an amazing taste and a high starch content.
Sineglazka perfectly resists late blight. However, such potatoes are not preserved in a normal state until spring, so the owners try to use the tubers of this variety first. And the mashed potatoes of blue-eyed potatoes come out just amazing!
Planting, weeding and other activities
Sineglazka is usually planted in early May when the weather is favorable and taking into account the regional characteristics of cultivation. Early potatoes initially placed under the film. Pre-treatment of seeds from pests and diseases, germination in the sun can guarantee a rich harvest.
The Sineglazka potato variety is best suited for planting on sandy loam and loamy soils. He needs organic matter in the fall and good compost in the spring. Manure deficiency is corrected with potassium and phosphorus sulfate - half a large spoonful per square of soil.Until spring, fertilizers are transformed into a form of digestibility suitable for plants.
The beds for Sineglazka are prepared in the following sizes:
- 60 to 70 centimeters wide;
- holes are made at a distance of 35-40 centimeters from each other;
- the depth of the holes is 10–12 centimeters.
The space formed according to such dimensions contributes to the systematic development of tubers. Private traders, as a rule, add a handful of ash and humus to each hole before planting seeds.
With the appearance of sprouts and before hilling, the soil should be loosened and nitrogen compounds, urea or mullein should be added. After each fertilization, the beds must be irrigated. As for hilling, it must be done several times per season for better tuber growth.
Water the potatoes based on the amount of precipitation over the summer. If the season is rainy, then additional watering of the beds is not required. In a drought, the culture, like all other plantations, will die without irrigation. On average, these activities are planned at the time of potato germination, during the flowering period and after it. Excessive or insufficient watering will directly affect the yield of potatoes.
When Sineglazka potatoes go into the tops, it means that there is an excess of nutrients and moisture in the soil. In the first case, the application of fertilizers is limited or completely abandoned until the end of the season, and in the second, the tops are trampled down a couple of weeks after flowering.
Such work with potatoes as weeding and destruction of the Colorado potato beetle and other potato pests must be carried out constantly, otherwise in the fall you can be left without potatoes. Diseases need to be detected early and not allowed to spread. Well, if you fail to recognize the problem in time, then you have to move on to decisive action in the fight against plant ailments:
- spray with chemicals;
- remove diseased bushes along with tubers;
- burn infected plants.
Harvesting and storage
The potato ripens at the end of July and can be harvested until the end of September. The highest yield is observed in the final stage of the growing season. Citizens begin to partially collect Sineglazka in the second half of July. It is recommended to start digging potatoes for storage at the twentieth of August.
A sunny day is chosen for harvesting. In the rain dig potatoes both unpleasant and unreasonable - after all, it must be dried, otherwise it will quickly begin to rot.
When digging, the tubers are left on the ground, and not placed in buckets or bags - let them dry well. To prevent the collected potatoes from wetting the rain when airing, it is better to spread them out under a canopy.
After drying, the potatoes are sorted, divided into large, medium, small. Rotten tubers are discarded, dented, spoiled, cut and immediately used for cooking. High-quality specimens are removed for storage. It is best to store potatoes in the basement, on the balcony or loggia at a temperature of + 3-5 degrees.
Reviews about Sineglazka are popular among the people. This is one of the most beloved varieties. And, despite various problems with its safety, it is still in demand.
I love this potato variety very much, it keeps well and tastes great. Every year I plant it in my summer cottage. I use to improve growth BioGrow - bioactivator of plant growth.The effect is really tangible. The harvest pleases!