Early-ripening, high-yielding Labella potatoes are the fruit of the labor of German breeders from the Solana company. The variety was included in the State Register of Russia in 2011. Adapted to the climate of the Central, Central Black Earth, Volga-Vyatka, Far Eastern and North Caucasus regions. Recommended for cultivation in private plots, farm lands, and industrial complexes. Labella is suitable for processing and sale. Excellent keeping quality and an insignificant percentage of defects eliminate the need to re-sort the crop.
Description of the variety
Labella easily gets used to the proposed weather conditions, which explains the spread of potatoes throughout the Russian territory. The description says that this variety is an early one.
The compact, upright bush does not form spreading branches. The leaves are emerald green, small in size, with slight wavy edges. The root system is well developed. The plant blooms with miniature, pink-purple flowers.
The elongated oval tubers have an average size and weight of 78–102 g. The thin skin of a rich red color hides the yellowish pulp with a starch content of up to 15%, which provides the potato with an average degree of boilability. The eyes are superficial.
Keeping quality allows Labella to be transported over long distances. Marketability does not fall below 90%. The variety is valued for its high content of mineral salts, protein, and B vitamins.
Marketability of 91–92% and keeping quality of 98% make Labella potatoes suitable for growing for commercial purposes.
Growing
The planting time for the Labella potato variety varies depending on the climatic conditions of the area. However, agrotechnical measures are the same for any area:
- Soil requirements: fertility, looseness, heat, moisture and air permeability.
- Sorting, sorting, germination of seed material within three weeks.
- Selection of medium-sized seeds. Large tubers can be divided into 2–3 parts.
- Planting is carried out to a depth of 8 cm.
Features of care
Successful development of culture is guaranteed by following the simplest recommendations:
- Hilling. Activates the formation of additional underground shoots, increasing the quantity of fruits by a third and improving the quality. In addition, they protect potatoes during spring frosts.
- Loosening.Provides air supply to root crops and clears the ground of weeds. This procedure should be carried out superficially, with a rake, and as early as possible.
- Feeding. Urea and a special solution, Solution, are added when planting seeds in the soil. During the budding period, a solution of potassium sulfate is used. The third feeding is required for flowering plants to stimulate tuber formation. Mullein or bird droppings applied to well-moistened soil are suitable for this.
- Watering. Only needed during drought. Each bush needs 12–15 liters of water.
- Protection from diseases and pests. Relevant when the first signs of damage appear. An effective method: spray the plants with a mixture of superphosphate and copper chloride or Bordeaux mixture.
It is important to accurately determine the start date of harvest. Otherwise, the quality of the tubers may decrease and some of the potatoes may deteriorate.
Advantages and disadvantages
Properties of potatoes of this variety:
- Equal mass of tubers.
- Easy to care for. There are no special requirements or cultural characteristics.
- High yields.
- Drought resistance. The Labella variety is not afraid of increased temperatures.
- Great taste.
- Excellent product characteristics. These potatoes are good for both personal consumption and sale.
- Root vegetables are perfectly stored and can withstand long-term transportation.
- Resistance to common nightshade diseases.
- Growing for processing.
- Reduced level of starchiness.
- The presence of B vitamins, protein and mineral salts in large quantities.
- Does not require re-sorting of the harvested crop.
The only drawback of Labella potatoes is the fear of low temperatures.
Pests and diseases
Most specific diseases do not affect Labella: it is resistant to cancer, tuberous rot, and viruses. Occasionally it is affected by tobacco mosaic and leaf curl. And yet, it is better not to neglect preventive treatment. Infected plants are not suitable for collecting seed material; they are burned along with the tubers. Only high-quality seeds produce good yield.
Nightshades are attractive to wireworms and the Colorado potato beetle. At pile of potatoes It is necessary to discard small fruits, which are usually a habitat for insects.
Harvest and storage
Characteristics of the Labella variety include resistance of tubers to mechanical damage. Wounds caused by a hoe or a harvester heal and the presentation of the potatoes does not suffer. Despite this, it is best for agricultural enterprises and farmers to use combines with side digging for harvesting. Potatoes harvested in clear weather are dried directly on the site; on rainy days, drying under a canopy is recommended.
The German potato harvest is represented by visually attractive tubers with a pleasant taste. It can be sold as an early vegetable or stored.
The Labella variety is not afraid of increased temperatures and illiterate care. This provides him with national recognition, especially among inexperienced gardeners.
Potato storage is indicated in a dry, cool place. Suitable for sale immediately after collection and after months of storage.
