Even in the recent past, yellow potatoes were considered fodder, but today they are in no way inferior to white varieties. Kolobok potatoes are popular in cooking due to their ideal shape and nutritional value. It contains essential microelements, vitamins, and a large amount of protein. The variety is characterized by resistance to diseases and, accordingly, high yield.
Description of the variety
The Kolobok potato was bred by Russian breeders. This is a mid-season variety, actively grown and used in cooking since 2005. The interval between planting and harvesting is 80–85 days.Potatoes of the Kolobok variety are used in all variations of industry: making chips and dry mashed potatoes, freezing, selling fresh root vegetables. Under the right conditions, root vegetables can be stored for a very long time.
A distinctive characteristic of the Kolobok variety is the non-degeneracy of tubers. This means that potatoes are suitable for planting for a long time, without the slightest fear of a decrease in yield.
Potatoes are characterized by a tall bush, spreading branches with medium-sized leaves, and white inflorescences. A healthy bush produces an average of 12 tubers. There are almost no small fruits in the holes. At the same time, they have a dense, rough skin, so when harvesting mechanically, you don’t have to worry about damaging the tuber.
Brief characteristics of root vegetables:
- medium size, weight up to 140 grams;
- small eyes;
- round shape;
- the pulp of the root vegetable is light yellow in color;
- starch content - 11–13%;
- the tubers are smooth, without depressions or dents.
Due to the low concentration of starch in root vegetables, they do not become overcooked and do not darken when cooked. Retains creamy color and neat shape. You can prepare various dishes from this variety: baked, deep-fried, stuffed, boiled potatoes.
Planting
If you periodically change the landing site, potato yield will be consistently high. It is ideal to plant potatoes after the following crops:
- herbs (annual and perennial);
- radish;
- pulses;
- cabbage.
The Kolobok potato variety adapts to all types of soil, but light sand-based soil is optimal.
To prepare the area for planting, you should dig the soil deeply in the fall and add organic matter to it. In spring, the soil is cultivated and fertilized with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.The rows of plants when planting are located in the direction from north to south, this will ensure that the maximum amount of light penetrates into them. If there is groundwater near the planting site, it is recommended to plant potatoes on ridges or ridges.
Root crops are planted no earlier than May, at a soil temperature of at least 8 degrees. They are pickled in advance and left to germinate in a warm and bright place so that at the time of planting they have a sufficient amount of moisture for growth and vegetation.
It is necessary to plant only tubers with strong sprouts, the length of which is 2–3 centimeters. To speed up the growth of potatoes, the tubers are treated with Kurzat or Albit.
Root crops are planted to a depth of about 10 centimeters, and at the same time a handful of wood ash and rotted manure are added to the hole. The optimal distance between planting holes is 30 centimeters, and the width between rows is 60 centimeters. This will make harvesting much easier.
Growing and care features
When ripe, Kolobok is fed 2-3 times. In this case, potash fertilizers alternate with organic matter. Particular attention should be paid to moderation in their quantity. Excessive soil fertilization will lead to the accumulation of nitrates in the tubers.
To preserve moisture and prevent bushes from overlapping, you should hill up potatoes. A high soil layer will protect the fruits from greening and damage by pests. Hilling is carried out when the bushes reach a height of 20–25 centimeters, and a second time after 1–2 weeks. During this period it is also worth paying attention to watering. It is better to give preference to the drip method.Rain watering is usually used during drought and when potato moth appears on the bushes.
Note! Feed the potatoes recommended organic fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers negatively affect the taste of potatoes.
A constant lack of moisture can reduce the yield of a variety, so watering should be given special importance. But it is not advisable to water the bushes after flowering, as this increases the risk of late blight.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Kolobok variety is a worthy competitor to other varieties, and all thanks to the following advantages:
- good presentation;
- ease of care;
- delicate taste of the pulp;
- excellent preservation and productivity.
Kolobok is a productive variety that responds well to fertilizing. With proper care, from 1 hectare of potatoes you can collect an average of 180% of selected tubers or 256 centners from 1 hectare. Potatoes store well, so they can be transported over long distances.
The only disadvantages include the rough skin, which makes cleaning difficult, as well as moderate finickiness in feeding. Without it, the harvest will be slightly worse.
Pests and diseases
The potato variety characterized by resistance to diseases. However, there are some diseases that can affect potatoes. These include late blight and cyst nematode. To prevent this from happening, during the epidemic it is recommended to treat plantings with copper-containing preparations.
As for pests, Kolobok is affected by Colorado potato beetles and aphids. The wireworm, which makes tunnels in the tubers, can also spoil the harvest. To avoid this, you need to till the soil before planting.If pests still appear, the bushes are sprayed with insecticides. They can also be used for prevention before planting potatoes.
Harvest and storage
Root crops ripen within 80–85 days. Harvesting occurs in early to mid-September. To speed up ripening, you should germinate the tubers before planting.
Suitable places to store crops are a cellar, closet, underground or other dark and unheated room. It is better if the potatoes are stored in a wooden container that has previously been treated with a manganese solution and then dried well in air.
In the room where the crop is stored, vents or hoods should be provided. This will prevent dampness and, accordingly, mold. To prevent root vegetables from getting too cold in winter, they should be kept in a room with good thermal insulation. The best material for this purpose is polystyrene foam. For waterproofing, you can use roofing felt or bitumen.
If storage conditions are chosen correctly, the variety will last all winter and even longer.
Thus, the description of the Kolobok potato characterizes it as an excellent variety for home and industrial cultivation. Resistance to diseases and ease of care will ensure high yields in any climatic conditions.
