Securing Anya Seed Potatoes

[veg4681]

After tasting this delicious potato from an allotment friend, I'd like to try growing in my garden but I'm baffled by the different potato variety (esp. with regards to seed potatoes) that I'm under the impression that you have to buy these well in advance??? This is because I checked all the major seed suppliers' website and they all show as out of stock.

I've found only one website with stock for most seed potatoes (inclu. Anya) but I think Anya are planted in around March-April so is it too early to buy these seed potatoes around now (before stocks run out??).

How long you can keep seed potatoes before they starts to sprout/chit. Do you then make more seed potatoes from the potatoes grown from certified pest free seed potatoes.

[HappyMouffe]

Veg4681, they are showing out of stock at the moment, referring to this growing season. It won't be long before they show as in stock for next season (2008). The companies tend to send out the seed potatoes at a suitable time in the new year, ready for chitting and then planting. I'll be putting in my order later this year. I've not tried 'Anya' - I might see if I can get a 5 pack of them to try out.

[veg4681]

HappyMouffe, thanks for the clarification, I'll put my order through.

Earlier thread on potatoes reported that Anya did very well (& prolific) against other potatoes despite the horrid weather. This is encouraging.

[seasprout]

Too soon...

Veg4681, catalogue sites at the moment are showing 2007 seasons stuff, give it a month and we will be swamped with 2008 stock.

You will struggle to find 5 seed potatoes to buy unless you can buy loose potatoes from somewhere, nearly all mail order places appear to sell a minimum of 1.5kg per variety.

perhaps you could find a garden centre or potato day near you that sells seed potatoes loose.

If its any help there is a potato day at Ryton Gardens, Coventry last weekend in January 2008.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hirons in Perry Bar sell loose potatoes, Veg 4681 - I don't know if they had any Anya in tho'. Also we have loose spuds on sale at the appropriate time at the Hill allotment shed, if that helps.

[heebiejeebie]

Try here
http://www.vanmeuwen.com/plant/65031

You can order now and they'll deliver in Feb 08.

[veg4681]

Once again thank you all for the useful info and introduction into the potato world...the concept of 'Potato Day'. Before this thread, I hadn't quite grasped that 5 seed potatoes would be enough/manageable (also we're only 2 adults and a toddler) and it's a pity these websites are selling as 20 seed potatoes or even as 2kg pack.

[heebiejeebie]

Keep looking in Wilkinsons in Jan/Feb - I got a pack of 10 anya seed potatoes in there last year.

[veg4681]

Keep looking in Wilkinsons in Jan/Feb - I got a pack of 10 anya seed potatoes in there last year.

Thanks this is utterly useful info of where-when-how many, Wilko is more convenient for me. If there is a 'Potato Day' event nearby, I shall try and attend in future.