Potato variety Rodrigo: description and characteristics, reviews

Potatoes take pride of place on every table today. Despite the fact that this product appeared in our diet relatively recently, it has been called second bread for many years and is grown in almost every area. Today, various culinary dishes, including exotic ones, can be prepared from this culture. Potatoes will be an excellent decoration for both a regular and any holiday table.

Potatoes on a production scale for sale are found in fields only in warm regions, but gardeners plant them for their own consumption even in areas of risky farming. Thanks to the tireless work of modern breeders, this is becoming increasingly easier, because new varieties are constantly appearing with improved yields, resistance to climatic conditions, diseases, parasites and completely different ripening periods. In 2009, the Rodrigo potato variety appeared in the domestic State Register, which has almost no drawbacks and has attracted the attention of modern gardeners.

General characteristics of the variety

Rodrigo potatoes, description of the variety, photos, reviews of which are presented below, came to us from Germany.
It was there that breeders first obtained tubers of this very early variety. Local experts recommend growing it in the Middle Volga region, where the crop demonstrates its maximum productivity, but ordinary summer residents successfully obtain good harvests in other regions of the country. Thus, the variety performs well both in the subtropics and in areas of risky farming. Rodrigo potatoes are characterized by characteristics of the variety as very early.
This allows farmers to receive fully formed tubers within 70-85 days after planting the crop. Of course, you can start digging up young potatoes earlier, but it is after this time that the tubers have time to form a dense skin for long-term storage. A harvest dug up on time will be approximately 30-50% greater than the weight of potatoes harvested in a young, not fully formed state.

Potatoes Rodrigo: origin and description of the variety

Rodrigo appeared thanks to the efforts of German breeders. The variety is adapted for cultivation throughout Russia, but especially in the Middle Volga. The quality of the soil and the climatic conditions of this region contribute to the best development of varietal characteristics, as well as increased crop yields.

According to the description, a distinctive feature of the variety can be considered lush, spreading bushes with 3-5 powerful shoots each. The leaves are large, with a wavy edge. During the flowering period, a small number of buds are formed.

Variety Rodrigo

You can dig up young potatoes already 60-70 days after planting the seed material; it is at this time that the first tubers begin to ripen. The peel of the variety is thin, dark pink in color, easily separated from the fruit, and becomes denser during ripening. The surface of the tubers is even, smooth, with small eyes. The cut has a yellowish tint.

The Rodrigo variety is characterized by excellent nutritional qualities that were not affected during crop breeding, as is usually the case when the emphasis is on yield and disease resistance. These potatoes are suitable for boiling, mashing, frying.

For reference: inexperienced gardeners incorrectly write about this potato, calling the variety “Rodriguez potato”. Such naming cannot be found in catalogs and directories. Correctly say and write "Rodrigo's potatoes."

External description

The Rodrigo potato, which we are now describing, is not very different from other varieties, although many note that the shoots of the bushes are not too thick. There are usually no more than five of them on each bush, and they are sparsely covered with leaves. The foliage is large, slightly corrugated at the edge and covered with small wrinkles. The height of the bushes reaches 80 cm, and as they mature, the stems strongly disintegrate and turn yellow.

Rodrigo - a potato whose characteristics are only positive - has pink skin of the tubers. This is what affects the color of the flowers, the petals of which can be pink or purple, sometimes even reddish, while maintaining snow-white corollas.

Under the dark pink, smooth and dense skin of the tubers there is yellow elastic pulp. When boiled or fried, it turns an even brighter shade, which indicates a high concentration of carotenoids in the tubers. These substances are antioxidants that are beneficial to humans.

Potato tubers are very easy to clean due to the presence of all the eyes on the surface. The shape of the potato is also convenient - all the tubers are oval elongated, approximately the size of a human fist. Of course, with proper care and regular feeding, the crop can produce larger tubers. If their average weight varies between 100-150 grams, then vegetables weighing more than 1 kg, with absolutely no voids inside, can become record holders. An important aspect of the characteristics is that all tubers have a marketable appearance and the correct shape. No more than 10% of the harvest is rejected, and small potatoes are very rare. Basically, 10 tubers of almost identical size are removed from each hole.

The Rodrigo potato, the variety of which is described in some detail in the article, differs from the rest in its excellent taste, which was noted even by experts. Due to the low starch content in the tubers, the variety is good for preparing any culinary masterpieces and is considered universal.

Distinctive features of the variety

Despite the fact that Russian gardeners have been growing Rodrigo potatoes on their plots only recently, this variety has already earned a lot of positive reviews and is becoming increasingly popular.

The variety showed excellent results in the southern regions, as well as in areas with more severe climatic conditions. However, the catalogs indicate that experts recommend growing the Rodrigo potato variety in the middle Volga region.

Winter varieties of apple trees for the Moscow region: we talk about the best with photos and descriptions

Rodrigo is a mid-early variety in terms of ripening time. The growing season ranges from 70 to 85 days. This is exactly how long it takes for the skin of a potato of this variety to become sufficiently dense and tough. However, just 2-2.5 months after planting, you can already try the first young potatoes by digging up several bushes.

According to the description of the variety and reviews (which is clearly visible in the photo), the bushes of the Rodrigo potato consist of an average of 3-5 shoots. The stems are tall, reaching 75-80 cm. As the potatoes ripen, the bush gradually disintegrates and the stems droop.

Rodrigo does not have many leaves, but they are large, with barely noticeable wavy folds along the edges. During flowering, the number of inflorescences is insignificant. The petals are pale lilac, sometimes reddish with a pink tint.

According to the description of the variety, the tubers of Rodrigo potatoes in the full maturity phase reach a weight of 90-150 grams. However, in reality, many gardeners note that if you follow the rules of agricultural cultivation, you can reap a richer harvest. Some tubers reach a weight of 300-350 grams, and even up to 0.5 kg.

From one bush you can collect 7-10 potatoes. There are no small and gnarled tubers observed. For the most part, all potatoes of this variety are medium or large in size, smooth, without flaws, elongated, oval in shape.

The skin of Rodrigo potatoes is pale raspberry or dark pink in color, smooth to the touch, and quite dense to withstand a long shelf life. A small number of ocelli are located on the surface, without excessive depression. Any housewife will appreciate this feature of the variety, since peeling potatoes will not take much time.

The flesh of Rodrigo potatoes is yellowish-cream in color. The starch content is low, at the level of 12.5-15.5%, which determines a wide range of its application. It doesn’t get soft or crumble when cooked, it keeps its shape perfectly.

Advantages of the variety

Rodrigo potatoes, description of the variety, photos, reviews of which indicate its excellent quality, have a number of advantages and practically no disadvantages.
It is thanks to such a wide list of positive characteristics that potatoes have won the hearts of domestic farmers. Even though the climate of Russia in some places is very different from the weather conditions in Rodrigo’s homeland, it is successfully grown everywhere. Gardeners in various regions celebrate it:

• high productivity;
• stability of fruiting;
• ease of care;
• resistance to many diseases;
• long-term preservation of varietal characteristics;
• versatility of purpose;
• presentable appearance;
• excellent taste;
• immunity to damage.

Rodrigo, a potato whose photos give an idea of ​​its appearance, is able to retain all its qualities even when using its own tubers as seeds for more than 5 years. This allows you to obtain stable yields for a long time. If the planting scheme is followed, potatoes can yield up to 220 tons per hectare of planting.

In addition, the variety tolerates drought and high temperatures well, while maintaining stable and high fruiting. The culture is also unpretentious to the composition of the soil; it grows well on any soil, except highly acidified. Rodrigo potatoes (reviews confirm this) received genetic immunity thanks to the work of experienced breeders.

This allowed the crop to get rid of the risk of infection with the most common potato infections:

• scab;
• potato cancer;
• late blight;
• golden nematode.

Many housewives try to purchase or grow different varieties of potatoes themselves, since not all of them may be suitable for different dishes. The versatility of Rodrigo means you don't have to worry about this anymore; the tubers are ideal for cooked dishes and salads. Moreover, the taste characteristics of potatoes are noted for their softness, tenderness and pleasant sweetish taste. In general, many experts note that yellow tubers are more tasty.

The appearance of potatoes is also considered ideal, since almost all tubers are the same size and correct shape. The transportability of the variety gives it an advantage for cultivation on a production scale. When transporting crops over long distances, farmers lose no more than 5% of the total weight.

A very important advantage that a minimal number of varieties has is that tubers that are injured when removed from the ground do not darken at all in the cut areas. They can lie with the rest of the crop without causing harm to it, even during long-term storage.

Reviews of Rodrigo potatoes

Fried potatoes. Potatoes Rodrigo photo

Most gardeners love the Rodrigo potato variety. It is also grown on an industrial scale.

• Lyudmila Krivenko

  : “Rodrigo likes potatoes because of the color of the skin and the surface location of the eyes. It is very easy to clean, wash, looks exactly the same, even if the sizes of the tubers are different - beautiful potatoes. I use it mainly for frying – it’s very tasty!”

• Alexander Kuzmin

  : “My family loves Rodrigo's potatoes. Of course, he sometimes gets sick and the Coloradoan loves him no less than us, but the care is worth it - the harvest is enough for the whole winter and even part of the spring! My secret is germinating root vegetables in plastic bags.”

  Read also:  Ammonia for tomatoes: why and how to use a miracle remedy
• Tatiana Drozd

  : “Along with the varieties “Polessky Pink” and “Zarevo”, I grow this variety every year. Most of the harvest is sold; it is bought up at the market first, perhaps because of the beautiful tubers. I like Rodrigo, first of all, for its keeping quality and ease of cultivation.”

Flaws

Rodrigo potatoes, the description of the variety of which cannot speak of its ideality in everything, naturally has its drawbacks. Of course, there are no significant disadvantages among them; gardeners note only the excessive spreading of the bush, which can interfere with its hilling, weeding and other procedures, but this also has its advantages. Under the wide and dense stems of the crop, moisture is better retained, which means that the amount of watering can be reduced to a minimum or even abandoned in rainy summers.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The positive qualities of Rodrigue potatoes include:

• undemanding to soil;
• disease resistance;
• high productivity;
• high shelf life during winter storage;
• excellent taste;
• ability to withstand damage;
• ease of care;
• presentable appearance.

The disadvantages include the large size of the bush, which requires an increased distance between the beds. Tubers of this variety do not like waterlogged soil and can rot during the rainy season.

Selecting a site for planting

Rodrigo potatoes, a description of the variety, reviews of which speak of its unpretentiousness, still require a certain approach to obtain a good harvest.

Low demands on the composition of the soil still have certain recommendations. The crop can be planted on any soil, except overly acidified and very heavy soil. In swampy or sandy areas, potatoes will not produce good results. The selected area must be prepared in advance for the season. Starting in the fall, you should add fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium. You can use organic matter or mineral supplements during autumn digging. When choosing dry mineral additives, you should pay attention to the fact that potassium fertilizers should be applied half as much as nitrogen fertilizers. For each square meter, it is enough to add 15 grams of the former and 25-30 grams of the latter.

If the area is too acidic, then additional dolomite flour or slaked lime will need to be added to the soil. Crushed chalk or eggshells, only ground into crumbs, will also work.

The Rodrigo potato variety, like the others, is very sensitive to sunlight and requires maximum amounts of it for active growth. That is why the planting area must be open, otherwise in the shade the shoots of the bush will be too thin and sluggish, which will certainly have a negative impact on the formation of tubers. The beds themselves are best oriented from north to south.

Even during autumn digging, it is very important to carefully remove all roots and remnants of weeds from the site, since potatoes do not tolerate the use of various chemicals to destroy them. Only if such loyal measures did not help and the grass nevertheless began to attack the future planting site, it is allowed to treat the soil only a few days before planting the crop itself. When the potatoes have already been planted, it is strictly forbidden to do this; all the grass will have to be removed manually.

When choosing a place on a plot for a crop, you should also remember about crop rotation. Rodrigo potatoes (variety description, photos, reviews are in the article) cannot be planted after any nightshade crops. Also, you should not plant potatoes themselves in one place for more than three years. This is due to the fact that they all suffer from the same diseases and pests, which accumulate in the ground over time and begin to spoil the crops with greater force.

The optimal predecessors for the culture will be:

• legumes;
• onion;
• cabbage;
• beet;
• radish;
• corn.

Also, if possible, you can allocate an area for planting various green manures on it. Such plants will be ideal predecessors for any crops; they will allow the soil to rest, loosen it and saturate it with useful substances.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the fact that this variety was brought to us from Germany, gardeners from different regions of Russia have already appreciated its advantages. According to numerous reviews, Rodrigo potatoes have a lot of advantages with absolutely no disadvantages.

• Potatoes are unpretentious to soil composition and can easily tolerate prolonged drought and heat.
• The high yield of the variety is: from a bush - 7-10 fairly large potatoes, from one hundred square meters - up to 600 kg, from one hectare - up to 180-210 tons.
• The varietal characteristics of Rodrigo potatoes are preserved for 5-7 years, providing gardeners with high yields and excellent quality.
• Excellent taste.
• Excellent presentation, which is of great importance for farm owners.
• Transportability.
• Tubers damaged during harvesting and sorting can be safely stored for long-term storage. In places of damage, potatoes do not turn black and do not spoil.
• The variety has very high, genetically determined resistance to many viral and fungal diseases.
• Wide range of applications.

According to the description stated by the originators, potatoes of the Rodrigo variety do not have significant deficiencies. The only drawback is the excessive and premature spreading of the bushes. This circumstance makes it difficult to hill potatoes. However, this drawback can rather be attributed to the advantages of the variety.

The soil under spreading bushes remains moist longer, which means that potatoes will need much less watering.

Seed preparation

Reviews from gardeners recommend preparing potatoes of the Rodrigo variety for planting in the fall.
To do this, medium-sized tubers should be selected from the total mass, always clean and undamaged, and placed separately from the main crop in the sun for a week. During this time, the potatoes will green up a little, after which they can be stored in the cellar, of course, in a separate box. Closer to spring, pre-prepared tubers need to be taken out for germination. This whole procedure takes about a month, so you need to start preparing in March. First of all, the tubers are laid out in 1 layer on the floor or in boxes in a dimly lit room. The temperature in it should be between 15-18 degrees. To prevent potatoes from becoming infected with diseases during this period, they should be periodically sprayed with a weak solution of copper sulfate. It is enough to do this once a week. At the same stage, you can treat the seed material with special growth stimulants or dilute superphosphate and potassium sulfate in water. This mixture will also awaken the sprouts and provoke their increased growth.

If, during germination, potatoes of the Rodrigo variety, the photo of which makes many gardeners stare, forms too thin, thread-like sprouts or even begins to deteriorate, such tubers should be immediately discarded and thrown away.

Immediately a few days before planting, the temperature in the room with planting material should be reduced to 10 degrees, and the tubers themselves should be placed in boxes with a nutrient substrate. You can buy it ready-made, adding “Nitrophoska”, or prepare it yourself. To do this, peat and humus are mixed in equal proportions; compost with a small addition of superphosphate will also work.

If there is not much seed material, you can divide the already sprouted tubers so that several sprouts remain on each lobe. This must be done with a disinfected knife, which after each cut should be dipped in a cool solution of manganese. This is also done a couple of days before planting, so that the cut areas have time to dry. Immediately after dividing the tubers, the sections should be dipped in chalk or ash. To prevent the separated potatoes from rotting directly in the ground, they can only be planted in slightly moistened soil.

Collection and storage rules

They begin harvesting Rodrigo potatoes as soon as the first signs of ripening appear. Yellowed and dry tops signal that you can no longer hesitate. After digging, the entire crop is sorted. Potatoes intended for long-term storage are dried in the shade for 2-3 days. The tubers, cleared of dirt, are placed in a basement or storage room in which the following conditions are met:

• temperature within +3˚С +5˚С;
• humidity within 75-85%;
• good ventilation.

Rodrigo potato tubers selected for planting must be greened in the sun within 5-7 days and stored.

The author of the video will share with you the results of growing Rodrigo potatoes under hay

Planting a crop

Rodrigo potatoes (variety description, photos, reviews are of interest to many gardeners) should be planted when the soil warms up to 8-10 degrees. Depending on the region, this time may occur at the beginning of April or even at the end of May. The air temperature during this period usually remains at around 18 degrees. The main popular indicator of soil warming is the beginning of flowering of dandelions, bird cherry or lilac.

Rodrigo potatoes should be planted according to a 30 to 70 pattern. This is due to the fact that the bushes of the crop spread out too much during the growth period and can completely cover the narrow rows. The depth for planting is determined depending on the composition of the soil. On light soils, you can deepen the tubers by 10 cm, but on heavy soils it is better to limit them to five centimeters.

Immediately after placing the tubers in the ground, you need to water them with a small amount of water, 0.5 liters per bush is enough. The top of the beds can be sprinkled with organic mulch, which, when overheated, will warm the soil and protect the planted tubers from possible frosts.

In warm regions, the variety is capable of producing two harvests per season. To do this, Rodrigo potatoes (descriptions and reviews allow you to be convinced of the merits of the variety) are recommended to be planted in the highest and most illuminated place, which warms up first. To better retain heat, it can be covered with black mulch or film. Many gardeners use the lunar calendar for planting, according to which potatoes grow best if they are harvested during the waning moon, and the closer to the full moon, the better.

Growing technology

According to numerous reviews, growing Rodrigo potatoes does not present any particular difficulties due to the unpretentiousness of the variety. However, there are some growing nuances that you need to know about in advance.

Love does not love

In general, based on the characteristics of the variety, Rodrigo potatoes are not picky about the composition of the soil. However, to obtain guaranteed high yields, the crop must be provided with a sufficient amount of nutrients.

Like any potato variety, Rodrigo loves loose and fertile soils with excellent moisture permeability. Too heavy and sandy, poor soil is unsuitable for cultivation. Potatoes will not give you a rich harvest in such areas.

Before planting, it is advisable to enrich the soil with humus or complex mineral fertilizer.

The characteristics of the Rodrigo potato variety involve growing the crop on soils with average acidity. Potatoes do not like soils that are too acidic. Therefore, determine the acid levels in the soil composition in advance. Ideal indicators should vary between 5.5-7.

If there is high acidity, you should add slaked lime (fluff), dolomite flour or crushed chalk to the soil before digging. Powdered eggshells also deoxidize the soil quite well.

The Rodrigo variety responds positively to an abundance of sunlight. Deficiency immediately affects the appearance of the crop and yield. Potato shoots become thin and weak, and the tubers become smaller. Consider this factor when choosing the ideal place to plant potatoes.

When growing Rodrigo potatoes, you should not use chemicals to kill weeds. Therefore, it is advisable to remove weeds from the site manually or by treating with herbicides before planting begins.

Crop rotation rules

Characteristics of Rodrigo potatoes and reviews from gardeners indicate that the main rule of agricultural cultivation is to adhere to proper crop rotation.

It is undesirable to plant potatoes in one place for more than two or three years in a row. When selecting the ideal site, keep in mind that plants of the nightshade family are undesirable precursors for potatoes. But the beds where onions, legumes, cabbage of any variety, corn, radishes, beets, and spinach grew in the past will be an excellent option for growing crops.

Green manure planted in the fall or spring before planting will saturate the soil with nitrogen and oxygen, reduce the number of weeds and loosen the soil well. Professionals say that the yield of potatoes planted after green manure increases by 30-40%.

Preparation of planting material

A month before planting, all tubers must be carefully sorted. Select only healthy, undamaged tubers of approximately the same size. Potatoes the size of a chicken egg or a little larger are suitable for planting.

The selected seed material is laid out in boxes in 1-2 layers and placed in a warm, sufficiently lit room for germination. The longer the potato sprouts, the faster the entrances will appear.

If, according to preliminary forecasts, you do not have enough material for planting, you can cut large tubers into pieces. The main thing is that on each separated part there are 2-3 full-fledged, healthy sprouts. It is advisable to cut the potatoes no more than 2-3 days before planting.

When to plant

There is no need to rush to plant Rodrigo, however, it is also not advisable to postpone this event for too long. In the southern regions, potato planting begins in the last ten days of April or early May. But in areas with more severe climatic conditions, this period may be delayed by 2-3 weeks. That is, potato planting occurs in mid-to-late May.

To more accurately determine the optimal planting time, watch the weather. If the air temperature remains within +18˚С +20˚С for 5-7 days, and the soil has warmed up to +10˚С at a depth of 8-10 cm, then you can begin planting work.

Landing scheme and rules

Taking into account the individual characteristics of the variety, the planting scheme for Rodrigo potatoes differs significantly from generally accepted norms. The spreading nature of the bushes requires an increase in the distance between planting holes.

The minimum distance between nearby potato tubers is 30-35 cm. It is advisable to leave row spacing more spacious - 70-75 cm. The depth of the planting hole depends on the quality of the soil. For heavy soil, 6-8 cm will be enough, but for loose and light soil you need to dig a hole deeper, at least 12-15 cm.

At the end of the planting work, it is advisable to water the beds and mulch them with straw or peat chips. This procedure will help you protect Rodrigo potatoes from freezing in the event of unpredictable return frosts.

Care after landing

Any crop needs care after planting. The Rodrigo potato variety is no exception. Regular weeding and loosening, watering and hilling - each procedure has long been familiar to every gardener.

Violet Ice Rose: growing and care at home

Cleanliness in the beds is a guarantee of a rich harvest. Therefore, weed the potatoes as needed, combining weeding with loosening the soil. And Rodrigo will definitely thank you for your diligence.

Potatoes of the Rodrigo variety are hilled 2-3 times per season. The first procedure is carried out after germination. Young shoots are completely covered with soil. It is necessary to hill up the potatoes a second time before the stems reach a height of 12-18 cm. Subsequently, it is advisable to loosen the soil between the rows after rain or as the soil compacts.

But judging by the reviews of gardeners, there are no special problems with watering Rodrigo potatoes. Spreading bushes help keep the soil moist for quite a long period. Therefore, the Rodrigo variety is not afraid of drought. However, pay special attention to the condition of the soil during flowering.

If it is hot during the budding period and no precipitation is expected in the near future, water the beds generously. It is not advisable to water potatoes with a hose, so as not to disturb the integrity of the row spacing. Give preference to drip irrigation or sprinkling.

Who or what can threaten culture

Due to genetically determined resistance, the Rodrigo potato variety is extremely rarely affected by any diseases. The only one who can threaten this crop is the well-known Colorado potato beetle.

You can fight the pest using chemicals (Inta-Vir, Prestige or Tabu). You can also use folk remedies (plant calendula and garlic along the edge of the garden or between the rows).

Care during growth period

The main procedure for caring for the crop is regular hilling of the bushes.
The first time this should be done as soon as the entire planting reaches an average height of ten centimeters. Almost the entire green mass of the crop is covered with earth, only small “forelocks” of 2-3 cm are left on the surface. The potatoes are hilled again when the already left tails grow to 20 cm, and the last hilling is done when all the tops are completely closed. It is recommended to loosen Rodrigo potatoes as often as possible, since too compacted soil between the rows prevents its full formation. To make work easier, this is done after watering or rain. Artificial irrigation is generally not a necessary procedure for this variety. Spreading tops allow the soil to remain moist for a long time, but if the summer is too dry, then the crop needs to be watered. This is done using the drip method or simulating rain; the soil must be moistened to a depth of 20-25 cm. It is especially important to maintain moisture levels during potato flowering, since it is at this stage that its main characteristics are established.

Even in the active phase, potatoes do not produce very many flowers, so it is not worth picking them off to increase the yield. In Rodrigo's case, this process will cause more stress to the plant.

Characteristic

The variety belongs to the category of mid-early early ripening plants and is characterized by the simplicity of the growing process. Potatoes need about 1.5 – 2 months to fully ripen. It is successfully used for table purposes, since potatoes have a good taste and are not prone to overcooking.

The bushes themselves grow quite tall, which is worth taking into account when hilling potatoes. At the same time, thanks to this feature, the root system and soil are protected from possible drying out. The leaves are bright green in color and medium in size. Potatoes bloom with colorful flowers of red-violet shades. The root vegetables themselves have a bright pink peel and light yellow flesh.

The variety is not prone to the formation of many eyes on the fruits themselves, and all existing ones can be easily removed during cleaning.

Productivity

Rodrigo potatoes are characterized by high productivity, since from two acres of open ground you can expect to harvest 900 - 1100 kg of large tubers. Moreover, each of the root crops differs in size above average, and weighs at least 200 g.

The fruits themselves are quite strong and dense, which ensures their safety during long-term transportation, at least 90%. The composition of potatoes contains 15% starch. Thanks to the plant’s natural immunity against such common diseases as nematodes, scabs and cancer infections, the culling of tubers during harvest does not exceed 5%. The level of general resistance to common diseases also remains high, which greatly simplifies the process of growing and caring for potatoes.

Advantages and disadvantages of Rodrigo potatoes

The list of undeniable arguments in favor of growing this potato variety includes:

1. Stability of manifestation of varietal characteristics. The quality of tubers and the level of yield are successfully maintained over 5–6 years of vegetative propagation. After this period, it is recommended to partially dilute the potatoes with new seeds or purchased root vegetables.
2. High potato productivity is manifested in 8 - 10 large potatoes from one bush, thanks to which about 600 kg of a good harvest can be obtained from one hundred square meters of garden, and up to 220 tons from 1 hectare, respectively.
3. The absence of any special requirements for cultivation and care. The variety can easily tolerate prolonged drought and summer heat. The soil moisture around developing root crops is provided by the leaves and height of the stems, which cover the root system from sunlight.
4. Presentable appearance.
5. The undeniable taste of potatoes, which does not change throughout the entire storage period.
6. Duration and ease of storage without growth (at least until mid-February).
7. Resistance to possible mechanical damage.
8. Natural genetic immunity is a reliable plant defense against many common diseases and pests, especially the golden nematode and late blight.
9. The versatility of using root vegetables allows them to be used for preparing first and second courses, as well as as an ingredient for salads.

There are no particular disadvantages in growing and using potatoes. First of all, this concerns ease of care, since potatoes can easily cope with prolonged drought and regular watering is an optional (although desirable) measure. The same applies to advance soil fertilization, which is best done in the fall.

Diseases and pests

Rodrigo potatoes are characterized by reviews as resistant to most infections. This is actually true, confirmed by many large farmers and ordinary gardeners, but the crop cannot resist the Colorado potato beetle. To get rid of this annoying pest, farmers often have to use various chemicals, since folk remedies are not always effective. Among the most common are planting herbs between rows or manually collecting beetles and their larvae. Of course, spraying bushes is a less labor-intensive process, which is why it is popular. The main thing is to remember that 3 weeks before harvesting, any chemicals must be eliminated.

Cultivation care

We recommend reading our other articles

• Breed of chickens Hisex White
• How to plant eggplant seedlings
• Grape variety Jupiter
• How to properly keep Vietnamese piglets

Hilling potatoes photo

The same amount of time is spent caring for Rodrigo potatoes as any other variety. With proper attention, the harvest should last throughout the winter, and for sale!

• Watering is carried out rarely, abundantly. During the season, you can simply water the potatoes well three times, this will be enough even in a dry summer.
• Weeds are removed as they appear; this procedure can be combined with loosening the rows, hilling or watering.
• If a gardener wants to use herbicides to get rid of weeds on potato plantings, then it is better to do this before sprouts appear, since Rodrigo potatoes do not like such chemicals and can slow down growth.
• In order for the tubers to grow strong, it is worth watering the bushes at the root with calcium nitrate. You need about 2 waterings per season, but you can get by with just one.
• Rodrigo potatoes are resistant to cancer, nematode, scab, and late blight, but sometimes they can still get sick, so preventive treatments will not hurt.
• Preventative treatment is carried out against pests if there are none. The Colorado potato beetle is collected manually or the plantings are sprayed with a suitable insecticide “Aktara”, “Tabu”, “Molniya”, “Commander”.

Harvesting is usually done in 2 stages. Some potatoes are harvested young, and the rest of the crop is harvested when it reaches final ripeness. Before harvesting, the bushes are cut off - only the stumps are left. The potatoes are dug up and laid out to dry. Store dried potatoes after digging in a dry, dark room with a temperature of about +3 degrees Celsius. To ensure high safety, it is better to sort the tubers before storing them for the winter.

Harvest storage

Potatoes Rodrigo description, photos demonstrate how ideal in storage. It really all depends on the conditions in which it is stored and whether it was assembled correctly. In this case, overstaying the tubers in the beds is strictly prohibited, as this provokes their rotting and wilting. As soon as the tops fall, the crop should be removed and laid out in one layer in a dark place to dry. After a day, the potatoes are sorted and placed in a permanent storage place at a temperature of 3-5 degrees.

Taste qualities

Many people liked the taste of the Rodrigo variety. Due to the high starch content, dishes turn out rich and potatoes become crumbly.

According to the method of application, the variety is considered universal. Various dishes are prepared from it, starch and alcohol components are produced. Rodrigo potatoes are rich in minerals (potassium, phosphorus, calcium), vitamins (ascorbic acid, B, A, carotene). It also contains solanine, but if stored properly, the amount of the toxic substance does not exceed normal limits. It is unacceptable to keep the tubers in the open sun. To avoid the appearance of green spots - places where solanine accumulates, the crop should be stored in a dark place.

Since the pulp of Rodrigo potato tubers is intensely yellow or creamy, the result is aesthetically attractive dishes (mashed potatoes, soups). Among other things, a rich shade indicates the presence of a high concentration of carotene. The valuable properties of the substance to remove toxic compounds from the body have been known for a long time.

Boiled potatoes of the Rodrigo variety are aromatic, with a delicate texture. It has a rich, sweetish taste.

Reviews

According to the information presented on the forums from those who have already tried this variety on their plots, the Rodrigo variety is really unpretentious to weather conditions and produces high yields in completely different regions. On well-fertilized soil, potato tubers can reach a weight of 500-1000 grams, and this despite the fact that the stems of the variety are not too thick.

Consumer reviews highlight among the main advantages of the variety good keeping quality and excellent taste, which are characteristic of very few varieties. The appearance also stands out, because all the tubers are the same as for an exhibition, identical and of the correct shape. The only disadvantage of potatoes, according to reviews, is that if the weather is too rainy, the tubers can rot right in the ground. To avoid this, you should remove the crop as early as possible.

Characteristics of culture

Rodrigo potatoes received positive and sometimes enthusiastic reviews from gardeners for their pleasant taste, productivity, and the ability to grow in different regions of the country.

Climate zones

Favorable zones for cultivating the crop, where Rodrigo potatoes produce consistently high yields, include the Middle Volga region. The crop is recommended for planting on an industrial scale in the Far East, Central Russia, and the North Caucasus. At the amateur level, the plant is cultivated throughout Russia and outside the country.

Productivity

The mid-early potato variety Rodrigo is a productive one. From 1 sq. m. harvest from one and a half to 4 kg. An average of 8–10 potatoes are obtained from one bush. A distinctive feature of the variety is its one-dimensionality. There are practically no small, unmarketable tubers.

Purpose

Potatoes are intended to be included in the diet after cooking. Suitable for boiling, making purees, casseroles. The tubers are eaten fried or stewed. The culture is used for the industrial production of starch and alcohol.

Due to its rich vitamin and mineral complex, raw potato juice is used for medicinal purposes. The healing drink is used:

• to speed up digestion;
• as part of complex therapy for gastritis, gastric ulcer;
• for heartburn, hypertension, lipid metabolism disorders.

Rodrigo potatoes have found application in cosmetology as a rejuvenating and skin whitening agent. You should not eat potatoes with a high content of the toxic substance solanine, which is formed in the tubers if stored improperly. It is recommended to limit vegetables in the diet of patients with diabetes.

Taste qualities

To achieve yield, high disease resistance and early ripening, breeders have to sacrifice the taste characteristics of the variety. This does not apply to Rodrigo's potatoes. The taste of the tubers with bright yellow pulp is sweetish with a delicate aroma.

Potatoes hold their shape well when boiled and fried. The average level of starch content (10–15%) makes mashed potatoes tasty and fluffy.

Country of origin, year of registration

The variety was bred by German breeders, namely, Solana GmbH & Co. The crop was included in the Russian state register of breeding achievements as a mid-early table variety in 2008 under the name Rodriga. The plant was assigned the code 9358785.

How to care

Potatoes "Rodrigo" are unpretentious to growing conditions. However, with proper care and the creation of favorable conditions, productivity can be significantly increased.

Watering

Irrigation with water is optional for Rodrigo. Under spreading plants, the soil retains moisture for a long time. But since this crop needs water during the flowering period, the bushes should be watered if there has been no rain for 15-20 days before and the weather has been hot. The best solution is sprinkling or drip irrigation. Wet the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm.

Feeding

“Rodrigo” responds positively to both organic (urea, wood ash and others) and mineral (superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride and others) fertilizers. See the product packaging for fertilizer application rates.

Check out the best potato varieties.

During growth (vegetation), carry out three stages of feeding:

1. When the stems and leaves grow. Feed the roots after rain or watering.
2. When the buds appear. In this case, you stimulate flowering.
3. Flowering phase. By fertilizing the bushes during this period, you will ensure accelerated tuberization of the crop.

Weeding and loosening the soil

If possible, ensure that the area is free of weeds. To do this, regularly weed. “Rodrigo” also responds well to deep loosening. Be sure to loosen heavily compacted soil between the rows. Ideally, the procedure should be repeated every time after rain.

Important! To get rid of weeds, it is strictly forbidden to use chemicals, especially after the first shoots appear.

Hilling

An important event in the process of cultivating “Rodrigo” is the rolling of moist, finely lumpy soil to the lower parts of the bushes, that is, hilling. This procedure must be carried out several times a season. For the first time, hill up only the emerging shoots, completely covering them with substrate. Carry out the activity a second time before the tops that have grown to a height of 15-20 cm gather into a solid green cover.

Preventative treatment

As we already know, this variety is practically not affected by diseases. The only nuisance that can seriously damage the crop is the Colorado potato beetle.

Therefore, when growing this variety, the main attention must be paid to the fight against this parasite. To do this, you can use both special chemicals (for example, “Prestige”, “Tabu” and “Inta-Vir”), and unconventional methods (planting garlic, calendula between rows)

At the same time, do not forget that the use of chemicals should be excluded 15-20 days before the upcoming harvest and limited during the flowering period of the crop.

Landing rules

"Rodrigo" is known for its general unpretentiousness. However, if you want to get a rich harvest of large tubers, you should familiarize yourself with the tips for cultivating this variety in advance.

Potatoes in bags - find out how to grow them.

Optimal timing

You can’t rush to plant “Rodrigo”, but you shouldn’t be too late either. Depending on the area, the first two weeks of April or the last week of May may be a good time. Potatoes are planted when the soil at a depth of about 10 centimeters warms up to at least +8...+10 °C. As for the air temperature, it is preferable that during the 7-8 days before landing in the daytime it rises to +18...+20 °C and above. If you have the opportunity to protect your plantings from frost, plant the tubers during the leaf opening phase of birch trees and the flowering of dandelions (that is, the beginning of May).

In areas with regular, frequent frosts, postpone planting until the bird cherry flowers fade and the lilacs begin to bloom (that is, the end of May). Gardeners who rely on the lunar calendar are advised to plant crops on the waning moon, as close to the full moon as possible. But the new moon and a few days before it are considered to be an extremely unlucky time. Shoots usually appear 8-15 days after planting; in cold weather this process takes up to 20 days.

Selecting a location

The German native is not picky about the composition of the soil. Any substrate is suitable, except clean sand or very heavy soil. But the variety grows best on light sandy and loamy soils.

Important! "Rodrigo" does not tolerate acidified soil. The optimal acidity level is from 5.5 to 7.0 pH.

Good and bad predecessors

Maintain crop rotation - potatoes are grown in the same area no earlier than every 3-4 years. In addition, potatoes should not be planted after other representatives of the Solanaceae family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants). All these cultures are affected by common diseases and parasites. And although “Rodrigo” is not susceptible to most potato diseases, it is advisable to avoid such predecessors.

Check out the beneficial properties of potatoes.

Soil preparation

The soil should be prepared in advance for planting “Rodrigo” in the fall:

1. It is necessary to first saturate the soil with fertilizers. In the fall, apply fertilizer in dry form (25-30 g of nitrogen and 10-15 g of potassium nutrients are enough per 1 square meter).
2. Dig the soil to a depth of 30 centimeters.
3. When digging up the area, carefully remove any remaining vegetation, not forgetting the roots of weeds.
4. If the soil is excessively acidic (if the acid-base balance is not in the range of 5.5-7 pH), dolomite flour or slaked lime is added to the soil along with fertilizers and humus. Crushed chalk or eggshell powder will also work.

Important! When planting potatoes, you cannot use fresh manure.

Preparation of planting material

Only high-quality varietal potatoes should be planted. In order to obtain an early harvest, the tubers are first germinated in the light (a month before the planned planting). Place the tubers in a single layer in a bright room. The desired room temperature is +15 °C. The planting material will produce short, thick, dark green shoots. To protect root vegetables from shrinking, spray them with water a couple of times a week. If you find rotten specimens, get rid of them immediately.

Planting pattern and depth

For ease of care, the pink beauty is usually planted in rows “under the cord”. Perform landing as follows:

1. On a previously dug field, using two wooden sticks, pointed on one side, and a cord, mark the rows at a distance of 70 cm from each other.
2. “Under the cord”, dig shallow longitudinal depressions (10-15 cm deep).
3. Place the sprouted root vegetables in the resulting grooves at a distance of approximately 30 cm from each other. Place cut root vegetables cut side down, sprouts up.
4. Carefully fill the grooves with soil. As a result, a soil layer of up to 6 cm should form above the tubers in a heavy clay area, and up to 12 cm in a light sandy area.

Did you know? The most expensive potatoes on the planet are cultivated on the island of Noirmoutier (France). The price per kilogram of potatoes of this variety is about 500 euros.

Planting and care

Video:

Planting potatoes

Tubers the size of a chicken egg are considered ideal planting material.

Pre-germination

To obtain an early harvest, the tubers are germinated in the light. Germination begins about a month before the intended planting. The tubers are laid out in one layer in a bright room with a temperature of about +15°C. During germination, the tubers become covered with thick, dark green sprouts. To make potatoes wrinkle less, spray the tubers with water from a spray bottle once or twice a week. Sick, rotten tubers are immediately thrown away.

When properly germinated in the light, potatoes produce short green sprouts

If larger tubers are used for planting, to save money you can cut them into several parts, each of which should have several sprouts. It is most convenient to do this at the beginning of germination, when the eyes are already awake, but the sprouts are still small. After each tuber, the knife is disinfected with alcohol or a solution of potassium permanganate. The sections are sprinkled with wood ash. Cutting the tubers is carried out no later than a week before planting, so that the sections have time to become covered with a protective crust. This method is not used in waterlogged areas due to the increased risk of rotting of cut tubers.

To save money, large tubers for planting can be cut into pieces

Site selection, fertilizers and crop rotation

Potatoes grow best on light sandy and loamy soils with an acidity of 5.5 to 7. The area should be well lit by the sun and, if possible, be free from the rhizomes of perennial weeds. In the spring, when digging, add half a bucket of humus and a glass of wood ash per square meter. Approximate rate of mineral fertilizers: 30–40 g of superphosphate, 15–20 g of ammonium nitrate and 10–15 g of potassium chloride per 1 square meter. Fertilizers are spread evenly over the entire area of ​​the site before digging.

It is very harmful to grow potatoes in the same place for more than 2-3 years in a row, this depletes the soil and contributes to the accumulation of infection. The best predecessors are pumpkin, cabbage and especially legumes. You cannot plant potatoes after other nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) or before them; they have many common pests and diseases.

Planting scheme

Traditionally, potatoes are planted in rows for ease of care.

Potatoes are planted in rows “under the cord”

In a previously dug area, using two pegs and a cord, mark rows at a distance of 70 centimeters from each other. “Under the cord” they dig grooves 10–15 centimeters deep. Sprouted potatoes are placed in the grooves at a distance of about 30 centimeters from one another.

Sliced ​​potatoes are placed cut side down, sprouts up

The grooves are carefully covered with earth. As a result, there should be a layer of soil above the tubers from 5–6 centimeters on heavy clay soils to 10–12 centimeters on light sandy soils

In very damp low-lying areas, instead of grooves, ridges 15–20 centimeters high are prepared in the fall at the same distance of 70 centimeters from each other. In spring they quickly warm up from the sun. Potatoes are planted shallow in the upper part of the ridges.

Planting dates and frost protection

Potatoes are planted in the field when the soil at a depth of 10 centimeters warms up to +7..+10°C. If there is a possibility of protection from frost, plant as early as possible, during the period of leaves blooming on birch trees and dandelions blooming (in the Moscow region this is the beginning of May). In remote areas and in areas with regular, repeated frosts, planting is postponed until the bird cherry fades and the lilac begins to bloom (in the Moscow region this is the end of May). Shoots usually appear one to two weeks after planting; in cold weather, this process takes up to three weeks.

Potato tops turn black and die at a temperature of -2°C.

Potato seedlings need protection from frost

The tubers are preserved in the ground, but the overall development of the plants is very delayed, and the final harvest will be smaller. The simplest way to save potato seedlings from freezing is to completely cover them with soil. After the end of the cold weather, the sprouts will easily break through this soil layer. In a small garden bed near the house, you can cover the seedlings with film or non-woven covering material.

Two harvests a year: where, when and how

In the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory, Rodrigo can even produce two harvests a year. For the first harvest, sprouted tubers are planted as early as possible, already in March, if necessary protected from frost by hilling. Dig in late May - early June. The second time is planted at the end of August, using sprouted tubers from the spring or last year's harvest. Cleaning is carried out in late October - early November. Tubers from the autumn harvest provide higher quality planting material and are better stored.

Highly resistant varieties

Potatoes damage the most:

• Colorado beetle
• late blight
• golden nematode

Enemy #1

Fungal diseases and plant pests can destroy ½ of the crop. Therefore, it is necessary to grow plant varieties that are more resistant to diseases and insects.

In regions with a lot of rain, plants are most often susceptible to fungal diseases. It is recommended to plant the following varieties.

Sap

Sap

Domestic selection. With an average ripening period. The flowers are purple. The potatoes are yellow, creamy when cut. Weight – up to 150 g.

May contain up to 19% starch. The average yield is 16 t/ha.

Borodyansky pink

Borodyansky pink

Early. The tuber is pink. The pulp is creamy. Weight – up to 130 g. Starch content – ​​up to 17%. High-yielding – up to 45 t/ha.

Chervona rue

Chervona rue

Originally from Ukraine. Pink potatoes with white flesh. Starch content – ​​up to 19%.

To this list you can add the varieties described above - Bellarosa and Arosa.

All of them are resistant to late blight.

Tubers with thick skins are less susceptible to damage by plant pests.

Sante

Sante

The average weight of one potato is 120 g. Yellow. One bush gives up to 20 pieces. Contains a small amount of starch - from 10%. With an average ripening period. Productivity – 27 – 50 t/ha.

Vineta

Vineta

German selection. Early. Potatoes are brown. Inside is light brown. Weight – up to 140 g. Starch content – ​​up to 15%. High-yielding – up to 20 t/ha.

Chervona rue and Bellarosa are also pest resistant.

Karatop

Karatop

Early. With yellow skin and light flesh. Contains up to 15% starch. The maximum weight of one potato is up to 130 g. Productivity is up to 52 t/ha.

Fantasy

Fantasy

Red potatoes with white flesh. One plant produces up to 11 pieces. Can be grown in any region of Russia. Late ripening. High-yielding – up to 52 t/ha.

Grouse

Grouse

Brought out in Ukraine. Pink potatoes with white flesh. Contains about 18% starch. Productivity – 52 t/ha.

Their ranks include such varieties as:

• Agave
• Bellarosa
• Vineta
• Arosa

The most resistant to golden nematode:

• Vineta
• Sante
• Bellarosa
• Laura
• Agave
• Arosa