Potato ‘Charlotte’ is a beloved salad potato variety renowned for its exceptional flavour, versatility, and reliability in home gardens. Awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this second early cultivar has become a customer favourite, gracing both garden plots and supermarket shelves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing, harvesting, and savouring Charlotte potatoes, while addressing key questions like “What kind of potato is Charlotte?” and “Are Charlotte potatoes good for you?”.
What Kind of Potato Is Charlotte?
Potato Charlotte (Solanum tuberosum) is a second early variety, typically ready for harvest 13–15 weeks after planting. Known for its pear-shaped tubers, smooth yellow skin, and creamy, waxy flesh, Charlotte excels as a salad potato. Its firm texture holds up well in cooking, making it ideal for boiling, roasting, or enjoying cold in dishes like Niçoise salad.
Key Characteristics of Potato Charlotte:
- Waxy Texture: Charlotte potatoes are distinctly waxy (not floury), thanks to their low starch content.
- Flavour Profile: Delicate, buttery, and nutty, earning praise for its “first-class flavour.”
- Appearance: Yellow-skinned with pale yellow flesh, averaging 8–10 cm in length.
Nutritional Benefits: Are Charlotte Potatoes Good for You?
Charlotte potatoes aren’t just delicious—they’re nutritious! Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, they offer:
- Vitamin C: Supports immune health and collagen production.
- Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and muscle function.
- Dietary Fibre: Promotes digestive health (2–3 grams per 100g serving).
- Low Calorie: Approximately 75 calories per 100g, making them a guilt-free choice.
Their waxy texture also means they have a lower glycemic index than floury varieties, providing sustained energy release.
Best Uses for Charlotte Potatoes
Charlotte’s versatility shines in the kitchen. Here are the best uses for Charlotte potatoes:
- Salads: Hold their shape when boiled, perfect for cold dishes.
- Roasting: Crisp exteriors with fluffy interiors.
- Gratins and Casseroles: Absorb flavours without disintegrating.
- Boiling/Steaming: Retain firmness, ideal for soups or side dishes.
Growing Charlotte Potatoes: In-Ground vs. Containers
When Should I Plant Charlotte Potatoes?
Plant Charlotte potatoes outdoors from mid-March to April, once soil temperatures reach 7–10°C (45–50°F). In colder regions, delay planting until late April.
How to Grow Potatoes in the Ground
- Chitting: Pre-sprout seed potatoes in a cool, bright place for 4–6 weeks.
- Soil Prep: Choose well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Incorporate compost or rotted manure.
- Planting: Space tubers 37cm (15″) apart in rows 75cm (30″) wide. Bury 10cm (4″) deep.
- Earthing Up: Mound soil around stems when shoots reach 20cm (8″) to protect from frost and encourage tuber growth.
How to Grow Charlotte Potatoes in Containers
- Use 30–40 litre pots or potato bags filled with compost mixed with manure.
- Plant 1–2 chitted tubers 12cm (5″) deep.
- Place in full sun, water regularly, and add soil as plants grow.
How to Know When Charlotte Potatoes Are Ready to Harvest
Harvest second early Charlotte potatoes 13–15 weeks after planting. Signs include:
- Yellowing Foliage: Leaves turn yellow and die back.
- Flower Drop: Tubers mature shortly after flowers fade.
- Test Digging: Gently unearth a plant to check tuber size (ideally 5–8 cm).
For new potatoes, harvest earlier when flowers first appear.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Protect your potato crop with these tips:
- Blight: Avoid wet foliage; use copper fungicides if organic.
- Slugs: Apply organic pellets or use beer traps.
- Aphids: Spray with soapy water or introduce ladybugs.
- Crop Rotation: Avoid planting in the same spot for 2–3 years.
Why Choose Charlotte Potatoes?
- Organic Certification: Available as Soil Association-approved organic seed potatoes.
- Reliable Yield: Produces abundant crops even in variable weather.
- Garden Merit: Proven performance in RHS trials.
Final Tips for Success when growing Potato Charlotte
- Watering: Keep soil moist, especially during tuber formation.
- Frost Protection: Cover emerging shoots with fleece or soil.
- Storage: Store harvested tubers in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a culinary enthusiast, Potato Charlotte offers a rewarding growing experience and gourmet flavour. By following this guide, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of this award-winning variety—perfect for salads, roasts, and beyond!
For more information on growing potatoes, please visit the RHS website. Alternatively, take a look at this guide I wrote a while back, on the general subject of growing potatoes.
