Seed Potato - Rodeo

Seed Potato - Rodeo Solanum tuberosum (NOT to WA, TAS & Kangaroo Island) Indeterminate variety Please note that the seed potatoes are sold as whole and may or may not have shoots - Supplied as dormant tubers. Desiree is a determinate variety. To ensure the longevity of the seed potato, store it within the 0-5°C range. Rodeo is a striking red-skinned seed potato that delivers outstanding results in the home garden. With its distinctive dark red skin and creamy white flesh, Rodeo is as appealing on the plate as it is in the ground. This certified seed potato variety is renowned for its high yields, consistent tuber shape and size, and elevated dry matter content, making it one of the finest choices for producing beautifully fluffy mashed potatoes. Beyond mashing, Rodeo is a wonderfully versatile potato in the kitchen. Its dry, floury texture makes it equally well suited to roasting, where the flesh crisps up beautifully on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy within. It also performs well when boiled or baked. Whether you are preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a special weekend roast, Rodeo seed potatoes deliver reliable flavour and texture every time. Planting Instructions Before planting, spread your Rodeo seed potatoes out in a warm, well-lit position for several weeks to encourage short, sturdy sprouts to develop. Larger tubers can be cut so that each piece retains one or two eyes, but allow cut surfaces to dry for a day or two before planting to reduce the risk of rotting. Avoid cutting pieces too small, as this can reduce your overall yield. Plant tubers approximately 10 cm deep and 30 cm apart in a full sun position. Rows should be spaced around 60 to 75 cm apart to allow room for mounding. Soil, Watering and Feeding Potatoes grow best in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted animal manure or quality compost to provide the nitrogen that potatoes need for strong foliage and tuber development. Keep plants consistently well watered throughout the growing season, as even moisture helps produce larger, healthier tubers. Apply a liquid fertiliser three to four times during the growing period for the best results. Cooler soil temperatures encourage longer growing periods and bigger harvests, so a thick layer of straw mulch over the bed helps keep the soil cool and moist. Mounding and Harvest New shoots will emerge within two to three weeks of planting. As they grow, mound soil or straw mulch around the base of each plant to encourage additional tuber formation and prevent developing potatoes from being exposed to sunlight. Tubers exposed to light will turn green and become toxic, so regular mounding is essential. Harvest your Rodeo potatoes when the foliage begins to yellow and die back, typically 16 to 18 weeks after planting. Leave freshly dug tubers in the sun for a day to allow the skins to dry and firm up, then store in a cool, dark place. Potatoes harvested early as new potatoes have thinner skins and do not store as well. Pest and Disease Management Planting certified seed potatoes gives your crop the best possible start by minimising the risk of soil-borne diseases and viruses. To further protect your plants, rotate your potato-growing area every three to four years to prevent the buildup of pests and pathogens in the soil. Monitor for common issues such as potato moth, aphids and fungal diseases, and treat promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls as needed.