Potato Wilja (Second Early Seed Potatoes)

A second early potato is a type of potato that is planted a few weeks after first early potatoes and typically takes around 90 to 110 days to mature. They are usually larger than first earlies and are ready to harvest in early to mid-summer, around July or August.

Plant your Wilja second early potatoes in well-drained soil from late March to mid-April, spacing seed tubers 30-37cm apart in rows 70-75cm apart, about 10cm deep. Chit seed potatoes beforehand to encourage strong sprouts. Earth up the plants once the shoots reach 20cm to protect the tubers. The Wilja variety grows in about 15-17 weeks and is ready to harvest by July or August. Keep soil moist during dry spells and rotate crops yearly to prevent disease.

Yes, the Wilja potato variety can be successfully grown in containers and bags. Use a large container or grow bag with at least 30 litres of capacity and ensure it has good drainage. Start by filling the bottom with about 10cm of compost, plant 2-3 seed potatoes with eyes facing up, then cover with more compost. As the shoots grow, keep adding compost to cover them until the container is full. Regular watering and feeding are essential, as containers dry out quickly.