Tastiest 1st early spuds?

[smallblueplanet]

According to our local garden centre I'm a bit late buying my seed potatoes - I've only just thought about it! We don't do maincrop and prefer to get spuds in and out earlyish to reduce the risk of them getting blight. We like Nicola and Charlotte as salad/2nd early, but never know which to try when looking at 1st early's. So I was wondering what are your favourite 1st early's?

[burnie]

Seems to be plenty here, International Kidney are a popular early cropper.
View All Seed Potatoes - Growing Potatoes | Dobies

[Purple Primrose]

Red Duke of York is a tasty first early and an excellent all-rounder for cooking. I'm growing it again this year. Apparently not great disease and pest resistance though, although I've never had any trouble with it.

[smallblueplanet]

Seems to be plenty here, International Kidney are a popular early cropper.
View All Seed Potatoes - Growing Potatoes | Dobies

Have tried IK, it's okay - but then we have no seaweed to spread on the soil! The Dobies thing hasn't really any reviews, just lists. Ta.

[quanglewangle]

Never been too sure about the 1st and 2nd early distinction.
Charlotte seem pretty early and are versatile in the kitchen.

We planted our Charlotte 17th January. Put fleece out first in mid December to pre-warm the plot at the same time as we started chiting. Expect to start harvesting in May.

Can use the first ones like new potatoes and leave rest in right through summer. No trouble with blight either, in spite of our mild damp climate.
.

[ameno]

Never been too sure about the 1st and 2nd early distinction.
.

It's partly speed of growth (second earlies take around 2-3 weeks longer to mature), and partly that second earlier usually keep reasonably well, unlike first earlies which don't last.

In terms of eating qualities, story qualities and crop size, first earlies are generally inferior potatoes. The main, and arguably only, appeal of them is the ability to get a new potato crop those few weeks earlier.

[annie8]

You’re not late. I have ordered some but won’t put them in here until early April - unless the early spring weather is amazing. I’m trying kerrs pinks this year as an early. Usually grow Charlotte but want something more waxy.

[smallblueplanet]

You’re not late. I have ordered some but won’t put them in here until early April - unless the early spring weather is amazing. I’m trying kerrs pinks this year as an early. Usually grow Charlotte but want something more waxy.

I think the chap at the garden centre was telling me I better hurry up and buy some, as they were selling out and this was their second delivery. Kerrs Pinks sound interesting.

[ameno]

I think the chap at the garden centre was telling me I better hurry up and buy some, as they were selling out and this was their second delivery. Kerrs Pinks sound interesting.

I'm starting to think maybe I should buy mine soon...
I bought them around mid February last year. I think maybe about the 20th? And a couple varieties had already sold out by then. They might be selling more this year, what with more people taking up gardening thanks to lockdown, etc.

[smallblueplanet]

...I’m trying kerrs pinks this year as an early. Usually grow Charlotte but want something more waxy.

Google says Kerrs Pinks are floury.
Kerr’s Pink Seed Potatoes - Patch (patchseedpotatoes.co.uk)

[Bren In Pots]

I grow Charlottes they’re my fave, I start eating them as small potatoes they’re lovely steamed I bought mine last week from the local corn merchant they’re now chitting on the windowsill.

[annie8]

Sorry you’re right. The kerrs pinks are my new main crop. I have ordered annabelle as an early.

[Nicos]

I went to get my charlottes a couple of days ago and was told they’ll be in next week!
I know I’m in France, but there seems to be no hurry here.

I suppose it’s down to stockists selling out which is the rush perhaps?

[Penellype]

Best tasting 1st earlies - Lady Christl. Absolutely no contest in my opinion.

[nick the grief]

Charlotte or Winston I can't decide so this year so I got both