Organic Seed Potato 'Starlette'

Organic Seed Potato 'Starlette' - The Early-Season Gem of the Organic Garden

This premium variety is often hailed as the "earliest of all," making it an indispensable choice for gardeners eager to enjoy the first harvest of the season. 'Starlette' is a high-yielding first early variety that produces beautiful, uniform, oblong tubers with a smooth yellow skin and creamy yellow flesh. It is specifically prized for its rapid development, reaching maturity in just 70–80 days, which often allows it to be harvested before the main blight season begins. Thriving best in full sun and light, well-draining soil, this variety is exceptionally well-suited for early production in greenhouses, polytunnels, or sunny garden beds. Its natural vigour and excellent presentation make it a favorite for those seeking professional-quality "new potatoes" from their own backyard.

Culinary Uses

'Starlette' is a firm-fleshed (Group A/B) variety known for its delicate, slightly nutty flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Its culinary profile makes it perfect for:

• Boiling & Steaming: The waxy texture ensures it holds its shape perfectly for gourmet salads or buttered side dishes.

• Pan-Frying & Sautéing: Develops a lovely golden exterior while remaining tender and sweet inside.

• Roasting as New Potatoes: Excellent when roasted whole with herbs to highlight its naturally thin, delicate skin.

Gardener’s Tip for 'Starlette'

The Quick-Start Chitting Essential: Because 'Starlette' is a very early variety with a high drive to grow, it can be sensitive to "desprouting" (where young sprouts are accidentally knocked off). To get the absolute best from this variety, pre-sprouting (chitting) is strongly recommended. Start chitting your tubers in a bright, frost-free place 4–6 weeks before planting to encourage strong, stubby green shoots. This "head start" ensures that as soon as the soil warms up, the plant can establish its root system rapidly. If you are growing in a greenhouse or using containers, this early preparation allows 'Starlette' to deliver a rewarding crop of delicious new potatoes as early as May or June.

Green's of Ireland - Online Garden Shop