Potatoes "Aurora" variety description, photo

In this article you will learn the main characteristics and features of the "Aurora" potato, its description. And also how to plant it correctly: from seed preparation to planting itself, how to care for potatoes, how to deal with diseases and insect pests.

Potatoes Aurora: variety description

Aurora potatoes photo

Potatoes "Aurora" are popularly called "red-eyed", bred by the breeders of the Vsevolzhskaya selection station in 2006. The bushes of this variety are tall and very tall, half erect, light green foliage, large in size.

Blossoms "Aurora", though not for long, but very beautiful - large blooms with a red-violet color. The tubers are 5 cm in diameter, have an oval shape, a pink-brown skin with red eyes and a white pulp. Aurora potatoes have an average ripening period. The length of time between planting until the tubers are fully ripe is 70-90 days. The yield indicator of this variety is quite high - 40 tons per hectare of land.

"Aurora" is a multi-tuber potato, in one nest, an average of 20-35 root crops grow, each weighing about 90 to 150 grams. Potatoes "Aurora" have high taste characteristics, they have a table purpose, the pulp is very juicy, perfect for preparing absolutely any dishes. The starch level in potatoes is 14-17%. Potatoes "Aurora" also have a high yield storage rate, it is preserved by 94%.

Potatoes "Aurora": advantages

Gardeners, when choosing Aurora potatoes, pay more attention to such qualities as: - good taste; - high level of productivity; - long shelf life; - is not afraid of transportation; - presentable presentation; - high resistance to diseases.

Potatoes "Aurora": disadvantages

No bad qualities and characteristics were found in this variety, the only thing is that this variety is mid-season, and the first harvest ripens a little later than many other varieties.

Growing features

It is not difficult to grow Aurora potatoes, it is a rather unpretentious variety. Therefore, even a beginner can cope with this work, observing some general rules.

How to choose the right place

Potatoes "Aurora" adapt well and grow even in the most unfavorable conditions, they are not afraid of drought at all. When choosing a site, you should pay attention to the fact that this variety has tall bushes, respectively, for their growth, the maximum possible amount of sunlight will be required.

Soil requirements

Based on the characteristics of this variety, it is worth noting that it grows well on sandy soil, but black soil is not the best place for planting potatoes. The best predecessors are legumes, cabbage and corn. Do not forget to follow the rules of crop rotation when planting potatoes.

Potatoes "Aurora": planting dates

You should not rush to plant the Aurora potatoes, it is very important that the soil temperature is at least + 10 degrees, and this is not earlier than mid-May.In any case, in different regions it will be different times, when planting, take into account the peculiarities of your particular region.

There is a popular rumor that if the first leaves have blossomed on a birch tree, then potatoes can be planted.

How to prepare potatoes before planting

3 weeks before the planned planting, it is recommended to prepare root crops:

- sort out rotten and deformed planting material;

- then the potatoes should be transferred to a warm, bright place, give them the opportunity to germinate and plant greenery, after the height of the sprouts has become 4 cm - the potatoes are ready for planting;

- further, if there is a desire, the sprouted roots should be treated with special protective preparations against sores and pests - insects.

Potatoes "Aurora": how to plant correctly

Potatoes are planted either in holes or grooves, the depth of which is on average 15 cm.The distance between the planting material is at least 25 cm, and the distance between rows is less than 50 cm.After the potatoes are scattered, the grooves or holes are covered with earth ...

How to care for potato seedlings

During the growing season, the care of the "Aurora" variety has its own characteristics. For a fruitful harvest, a number of potato care activities are required.

How to water potatoes

Unlike other varieties, "Aurora" is very fond of moisture, so it is recommended to water it 3 times per season. The first time it is necessary to water the seedlings when their growth is 5 cm, the next watering is carried out before the flowering of the potatoes, then at the end of flowering.

Excess moisture for potatoes is dangerous, as diseases can develop, so you should not get carried away with watering. Do not water the potatoes before harvesting for at least 3 weeks, otherwise it will affect the safety of the tubers.

Top dressing

The optimal time for fertilizing the soil is autumn; at the time of plowing, organic fertilizers are applied to the soil. This is enough for a good yield. Potatoes do not require constant feeding. It is worth being very careful about nitrogenous fertilizers - do not allow them, since this potato variety is tall without this with powerful tops, and nitrogen will further provoke the growth of greenery, which is completely unnecessary.

Potatoes "Aurora": ripening period and hilling rules

A very important measure for caring for potatoes is hilling bushes. Since the bushes of the "Aurora" potatoes are tall, hilling them is a mandatory procedure. The first hilling is carried out when the bushes have grown to 8-10 cm, thereby we will protect them by 100% from possible frosts.

The second time the potatoes are spud, when buds have appeared on it, by this we will allow oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots to a greater extent, and also support the bushes so that they do not fall. If desired, you can spud the third time, this is done for the supply of nutrients to the roots and for weed control.

Possible diseases and insects - pests, how to deal with them

Although the potato variety "Aurora" has developed immunity to most diseases, unfortunately late blight is not among them. This is a very dangerous disease for potatoes, which can lead to its death. After the first signs of the disease are found (brown spots on the foliage, which increase in size), it is urgent to treat the plant with drugs (for example, "Bravo", "Shirlan" and others) to combat this ailment, you can purchase them at any specialized store. Also potatoes "Aurora" are susceptible to attack by the Colorado potato beetle and bear.

If pests are found, immediately treat the area with drugs (for example, the Prestige drug has proven itself well) in order to save the potatoes and subsequently collect a fruitful crop.For the prevention of diseases and attacks of insect pests, tubers must be treated with drugs before planting, which will not only protect against ailments, but also in the composition of many drugs there are nutrients that will contribute to the early growth of potatoes.