Potato Cara (Late Maincrop Seed Potato)

The best time to plant Cara seed potatoes is between late March and late April, when the soil temperature is consistently above 8°C, and the threat of frost has passed. Chitting your seed potatoes beforehand encourages strong shoots and faster growth once planted. Choose a dry, frost-free day and plant in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil for a healthy, productive crop.

Cara seed potatoes are a maincrop variety that typically takes around 18 to 20 weeks to mature after planting. When planted in late March or April, you can expect to harvest in August to September. Growth time can vary slightly depending on soil temperature, weather conditions, and the timing of chitting, but Cara is known for producing a strong, reliable crop by late summer with excellent storage quality.

The Cara potato variety is renowned for its exceptional storage qualities as a maincrop, often keeping well for 5 to 8 months, right through winter into spring. Harvest when foliage dies back, and cure the Cara seed potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot at 10-15°C with high humidity for two weeks to toughen the skins and heal cuts. Store in breathable boxes or sacks in a frost-free, dark place at 4-10°C with good airflow, checking regularly to remove any sprouting or damaged tubers, and keep away from onions, apples, or light to prevent greening.