What Are Purple Potatoes Called – Your Ultimate Guide To Growing &

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever spotted those stunning purple potatoes at the farmer’s market or in a gourmet recipe and wondered what they are, beyond just being “purple”? You’re not alone! Many gardeners are captivated by their striking color but might hesitate to grow them, unsure of their specific needs or even what varieties exist. If you’ve been curious about these beautiful tubers, you’re in for a treat!

This guide will demystify these vibrant vegetables, revealing not just what are purple potatoes called, but also their incredible benefits, and everything you need to know to grow them right in your own garden. We’ll dive into their fascinating history, explore the best varieties, learn the secrets to successful cultivation, tackle common challenges, and even touch on how to enjoy their unique flavor. Get ready to add a splash of color and nutrition to your harvest!

The Many Names: So, what are purple potatoes called, Really?

When you ask what are purple potatoes called, you’re tapping into a rich lineage of diverse varieties, each with its own charm. Unlike a single “purple potato” species, these vibrant tubers belong to the same species as common potatoes, Solanum tuberosum, but boast naturally purple flesh and skin.

Their captivating color comes from powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins – the same pigments found in blueberries, blackberries, and red cabbage. These aren’t genetically modified marvels; they’re nature’s own beautiful creations, often hailing from the Andes mountains where potatoes originated.

A Spectrum of Purple Potato Varieties

Instead of a single name, purple potatoes are known by their specific varietal names. Here are some of the most popular you might encounter or want to grow:

  • ‘Purple Majesty’: A widely available and popular choice, known for its deep purple skin and flesh that retains its color well after cooking. It’s a versatile, all-purpose potato.
  • ‘All Blue’ (or ‘Russian Blue’): As the name suggests, this variety features blue-purple skin and streaky blue-purple flesh. It’s excellent for roasting and mashing.
  • ‘Adirondack Blue’: Developed by Cornell University, this variety offers a deep blue-purple skin and vibrant blue flesh. It’s known for good yields and disease resistance.
  • ‘Blue Belle’: A newer variety with purple skin and a creamy white interior, offering a beautiful contrast. It’s great for baking and frying.
  • ‘Vitelotte’ (or ‘Negresse’): An heirloom French variety, often long and knobby, with very dark purple, almost black, skin and flesh. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture.

Understanding these names is the first step in your purple potato journey! Each offers a slightly different growing experience and culinary profile, making your garden exploration even more exciting.

A Rich History: Where Do They Come From?

The history of purple potatoes is as rich and colorful as the tubers themselves. Potatoes originated in the Andes region of South America, specifically in areas now part of Peru and Bolivia, thousands of years ago. Indigenous peoples cultivated an astonishing diversity of potato varieties, including many with vibrant purple, blue, and red flesh.

These ancient varieties were cherished not just for their sustenance but also for their medicinal properties and cultural significance. While European explorers brought potatoes back to the Old World in the 16th century, it was primarily the white and yellow varieties that gained widespread popularity. Only more recently have these stunning purple heirlooms and new purple varieties found their way back into the mainstream, captivating gardeners and chefs alike.

Why Grow Purple Potatoes? Benefits Beyond Beauty

Beyond their undeniable visual appeal, growing purple potatoes offers a host of advantages for both your garden and your plate. The benefits of what are purple potatoes called extend from impressive nutritional value to adding a unique flair to your culinary creations.

Once you’ve tried them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t plant them sooner! They truly are a gardener’s delight and a health-conscious eater’s dream.

Nutritional Powerhouse

Purple potatoes aren’t just pretty; they’re packed with goodness. Their vibrant color is a direct indicator of their high anthocyanin content, which are potent antioxidants.

Here’s why they’re a fantastic addition to your diet:

  • Antioxidant Rich: Anthocyanins help combat free radicals in the body, potentially reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases. They often contain 2-3 times more antioxidants than their white or yellow counterparts.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Like all potatoes, purple varieties contribute dietary fiber, essential for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: They provide a good amount of Vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients vital for overall health.
  • Lower Glycemic Index: Some studies suggest that purple potatoes may have a slightly lower glycemic index compared to white potatoes, meaning they can cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar.

Imagine harvesting these nutrient-dense beauties directly from your garden – talk about farm-to-table freshness with a health boost!

Garden Appeal & Culinary Versatility

Adding purple potatoes to your garden isn’t just about health; it’s about bringing vibrancy and excitement. Their unique color makes them a conversation starter both in the patch and on the plate.

Here’s how they shine:

  • Visual Interest in the Garden: While the tubers are underground, knowing you’re cultivating something so strikingly different adds a layer of satisfaction to your gardening efforts.
  • Stunning Culinary Creations: From roasted purple potato wedges that maintain their color beautifully to vibrant mashed potatoes or colorful potato salads, these tubers transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. They add an unexpected pop of color that delights both the eyes and the palate.
  • Unique Flavor Profile: Many purple varieties have a slightly earthier, nuttier, or sometimes sweeter flavor than common potatoes, offering a gourmet twist to your meals.

Don’t worry—these vegetables are perfect for beginners, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical benefits without being overly demanding.

Your Purple Potato Care Guide: Planting and Cultivation Best Practices

Growing purple potatoes is remarkably similar to cultivating any other potato variety, making them an approachable crop for gardeners of all levels. Following these what are purple potatoes called best practices will ensure a bountiful and beautiful harvest.

With a little preparation and consistent care, you’ll be digging up vibrant tubers in no time. This what are purple potatoes called care guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Choosing the Right Spot and Soil

The foundation of a successful potato harvest begins with selecting the ideal location and preparing your soil.

  • Sunlight: Potatoes are sun-loving plants. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Soil Type: They thrive in loose, well-drained, fertile soil. Heavy clay soils can impede tuber development and lead to rot. If your soil is heavy, amend it generously with organic matter like compost or aged manure.
  • Soil pH: Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0. This range helps prevent common potato diseases like scab. A soil test can help you determine your current pH and guide amendments.
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Before planting, prepare your bed by digging deeply and incorporating plenty of compost. This creates the airy, nutrient-rich environment that potatoes adore.

Planting Purple Potatoes: Step-by-Step

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s how to what are purple potatoes called from seed potato to sprout.

  1. Source Seed Potatoes: Always start with certified disease-free seed potatoes, not grocery store potatoes, which may carry diseases or be treated with sprout inhibitors.
  2. Chitting (Optional, but Recommended): About 2-4 weeks before planting, place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot (not direct sun) to encourage sprouts (chits) to form. This gives them a head start.
  3. Cut Seed Potatoes: If your seed potatoes are large, cut them into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 1-2 “eyes” (sprouts). Let the cut pieces “cure” for a day or two in a dry, warm spot to form a protective callus. This helps prevent rot.
  4. Planting Time: Plant your seed potatoes in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost, once the soil can be worked.
  5. Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig trenches 6-8 inches deep. Place seed potato pieces cut-side down, about 10-12 inches apart in the trench. If planting in rows, space rows 2-3 feet apart.
  6. Covering: Cover the seed potatoes with about 3-4 inches of soil.

Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; this process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Watering and Fertilizing Tips

Consistent moisture and proper nutrition are crucial for healthy tuber development.

  • Watering: Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber development. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which can lead to misshapen tubers. However, also avoid waterlogging, which can cause rot. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent for deep, consistent watering.
  • Fertilizing: Potatoes are heavy feeders. Incorporate a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Once plants are about 6-8 inches tall, you can side-dress with compost or an organic potato fertilizer (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium) to encourage tuber growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of tubers.

A little attention to these details will make a big difference in your harvest size and quality.

Hilling and Mulching for Success

These two practices are vital for maximizing your yield and protecting your growing tubers.

  • Hilling: As your potato plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, gently mound soil around the base of the stems, leaving only the top few inches of foliage exposed. Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks as the plants grow, until the mounds are about 10-12 inches high. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic), encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem, and helps stabilize the plants.
  • Mulching: Once your plants are well-hilled, apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) around the base of the plants and over the mounds. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil temperature more consistent.

These what are purple potatoes called tips are tried and true methods for a successful potato patch.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Purple Potato Growing

Embracing sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also creates a healthier, more resilient garden. When you grow purple potatoes, integrating eco-friendly methods can lead to more robust plants and a richer harvest.

Think of it as working with nature, not against it, to cultivate your vibrant tubers.

Companion Planting for Natural Pest Control

Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that uses beneficial plant relationships to deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health.

  • Marigolds: Planting marigolds nearby can deter nematodes, microscopic worms that can damage potato roots.
  • Nasturtiums: These cheerful flowers act as a “trap crop,” attracting aphids away from your potatoes. You can then easily remove and destroy the infested nasturtium leaves.
  • Beans and Peas: Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit heavy feeders like potatoes.
  • Horseradish: Planting horseradish at the corners of your potato patch is said to deter potato beetles.

These simple additions can significantly reduce the need for chemical interventions, keeping your garden truly organic and eco-friendly.

Organic Fertilization and Soil Health

Focusing on soil health is the cornerstone of sustainable what are purple potatoes called cultivation. Healthy soil means healthy plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases.

  • Compost: Regularly amending your soil with homemade compost is one of the best things you can do. It improves soil structure, provides a slow release of nutrients, and fosters a thriving microbial ecosystem.
  • Aged Manure: If available, well-rotted animal manure can provide a significant nutrient boost. Ensure it’s fully composted to avoid burning plants or introducing weed seeds.
  • Cover Crops: In the off-season, planting cover crops like clover or vetch can protect the soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter and nitrogen when tilled under.

By nourishing your soil, you’re building a long-term foundation for productive gardening.

Water Conservation Techniques

Efficient water use is critical for any garden, especially when growing thirsty crops like potatoes. Implementing water-saving strategies is key to eco-friendly what are purple potatoes called growing.

  • Mulching: As mentioned earlier, a thick layer of organic mulch dramatically reduces water evaporation from the soil surface, meaning you’ll water less frequently.
  • Drip Irrigation/Soaker Hoses: These systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing waste from evaporation and runoff compared to overhead sprinklers.
  • Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater for your garden. It’s free, unchlorinated, and plants often prefer it.
  • Watering Deeply and Infrequently: Encourage deep root growth by watering thoroughly when you do water, rather than frequent shallow sprinkles.

Every drop counts, and these methods help ensure your purple potatoes get what they need without excess waste.

Common Problems with Purple Potatoes and How to Solve Them

Even with the best intentions and practices, gardeners occasionally face challenges. Knowing how to identify and address common problems with what are purple potatoes called can save your harvest and reduce stress.

Think of these as learning opportunities, not setbacks. You’ve got this!

Pests and Diseases: Identification and Management

Potatoes, including purple varieties, can be susceptible to a few common garden foes. Vigilance is your best defense.

  • Colorado Potato Beetle: These distinctive striped beetles and their reddish larvae can quickly defoliate plants.
    • Solution: Hand-pick adults and larvae and drop them into soapy water. Use row covers early in the season to prevent adults from laying eggs. Introduce beneficial nematodes to control larvae in the soil.
  • Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, sucking plant sap.
    • Solution: Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
  • Wireworms: Slim, hard-bodied larvae that tunnel into tubers, making them unappetizing.
    • Solution: Practice crop rotation, avoid planting potatoes where grass or grains grew previously. Use bait traps (e.g., buried potato pieces) to lure and collect them.
  • Early Blight / Late Blight: Fungal diseases causing brown spots on leaves, potentially leading to plant death and tuber rot.
    • Solution: Choose resistant varieties. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Avoid overhead watering. Practice strict crop rotation (do not plant potatoes or tomatoes in the same spot for at least 3-4 years). Remove and destroy infected plant material immediately.
  • Potato Scab: Causes rough, corky lesions on tuber skin, though it doesn’t affect eating quality.
    • Solution: Maintain slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0). Keep soil consistently moist during tuber formation. Plant resistant varieties.
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Regularly inspect your plants, especially the undersides of leaves, to catch problems early.

Environmental Stressors: Heat, Cold, and Drought

Potatoes prefer moderate temperatures and consistent conditions. Extreme weather can stress them.

  • Heat Stress: Prolonged temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can cause plants to stop forming tubers or lead to small, misshapen ones.
    • Solution: Plant early to allow tubers to develop before peak summer heat. Provide afternoon shade with shade cloth during heatwaves. Maintain consistent soil moisture.
  • Cold Stress/Frost: Young potato plants are susceptible to frost damage.
    • Solution: Plant after the danger of hard frost has passed. If an unexpected frost is predicted, cover young plants with row covers or blankets.
  • Drought: Inconsistent watering or prolonged dry spells can lead to cracked, hollow, or misshapen tubers.
    • Solution: Implement consistent watering practices, especially during tuber development. Utilize mulching to conserve soil moisture.

Paying attention to weather forecasts and being prepared to intervene can help mitigate these issues, ensuring your purple potato guide is a success story.

Harvesting and Storing Your Purple Bounty

The moment of truth! Harvesting your purple potatoes is one of the most exciting parts of the gardening journey. Knowing when and how to what are purple potatoes called out of the ground, and how to store them properly, will maximize your enjoyment of these garden jewels.

These what are purple potatoes called tips for harvest and storage will help you savor your homegrown goodness for months.

Knowing When to Harvest

Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting potatoes, and purple varieties are no exception.

  • New Potatoes: If you’re eager for “new” potatoes – small, tender tubers with thin skins – you can gently dig around the plant about 2-3 weeks after flowering begins. Carefully remove a few tubers and then re-cover the plant. These don’t store long but are delicious fresh.
  • Main Crop Harvest: For your main harvest of mature, storable potatoes, wait until the potato foliage begins to yellow, wither, and die back, usually 2-3 weeks after the plant has completely died back naturally. This indicates the tubers have fully matured and their skins have “set.”
  • Timing: This typically occurs 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

A good rule of thumb: patience yields the best results for storable potatoes!

Curing and Storage for Longevity

Proper curing and storage are essential for extending the shelf life of your purple potatoes.

  1. Digging: Choose a dry day to harvest. Carefully dig around the perimeter of the plant with a pitchfork or spade, starting about 6-12 inches away from the main stem to avoid piercing tubers. Gently lift the plant and tubers from the soil.
  2. Cleaning: Brush off any excess soil from the tubers. Do not wash them, as moisture can encourage rot during storage.
  3. Curing: This is a critical step. Lay the harvested potatoes in a single layer in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This allows their skins to toughen up and any minor cuts to heal, which significantly improves storage life.
  4. Storage: After curing, store your purple potatoes in a cool (40-45°F / 4-7°C), dark, and humid place. A root cellar, unheated basement, or garage that doesn’t freeze is ideal. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold can convert starch to sugar, affecting flavor and texture. Store them in breathable containers like burlap sacks, mesh bags, or cardboard boxes, allowing for good air circulation.

With these steps, your homegrown purple potatoes can last for several months, ready to add a vibrant touch to your winter meals!

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Potatoes

It’s natural to have questions when venturing into growing a new, exciting crop like purple potatoes. Here are some common queries answered to further enhance your what are purple potatoes called guide experience.

Are purple potatoes harder to grow than regular potatoes?

Not at all! Growing purple potatoes is essentially the same as growing any other potato variety. They require the same sunlight, soil conditions, watering, and care. The main difference is the vibrant color of their tubers. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners!

Do purple potatoes taste different from white or yellow potatoes?

Yes, many people describe purple potatoes as having a slightly earthier, nuttier, or sometimes subtly sweeter flavor than their white or yellow counterparts. Their texture can also be a bit firmer, especially varieties like ‘Vitelotte’. This unique flavor profile makes them a fantastic gourmet addition to any meal.

Can I grow purple potatoes in containers?

Absolutely! Purple potatoes thrive in containers, making them an excellent choice for small gardens, patios, or balconies. Choose large containers (at least 15-gallon capacity or 18-24 inches in diameter for good yield), grow bags, or specialized potato towers. Ensure good drainage and follow the same planting and hilling guidelines as you would for in-ground growing.

How long do purple potatoes take to grow?

Most purple potato varieties are considered mid to late-season potatoes, maturing in approximately 90 to 120 days from planting. Early varieties might be ready in 70-80 days, while some late-season types can take up to 130 days. Always check the specific maturity dates for the variety you choose.

Why are my purple potatoes not very purple?

Several factors can influence the intensity of purple color. Soil pH can play a role, with slightly more acidic soil sometimes enhancing color. Environmental stress, nutrient deficiencies, or even the specific variety can also affect pigment development. Ensure your plants receive adequate sunlight, consistent water, and balanced nutrients for the best color development.

Conclusion: Embrace the Purple Power in Your Garden!

So, what are purple potatoes called? They are ‘Purple Majesty’, ‘All Blue’, ‘Adirondack Blue’, and many more fascinating varieties, each waiting to add a splash of unexpected color and a boost of nutrition to your garden and your plate. We’ve explored their intriguing history, celebrated their health benefits, and walked through every step of growing these garden jewels, from planting to harvest and storage.

By following these best practices and embracing sustainable growing techniques, you’re not just cultivating a vegetable; you’re nurturing a vibrant, healthy, and eco-friendly part of your home. Don’t let their unique hue intimidate you – purple potatoes are as rewarding to grow as they are beautiful to behold.

Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge, why not take the plunge? Imagine the delight of digging up those stunning purple tubers, knowing you grew them yourself. Go forth and grow! Your garden (and your dinner plate) will thank you for it.

Rimon Chowdhury
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