Gardeners can choose from many varieties of red potatoes.
Potatoes can be grown in all regions of Texas--from the High Plains to the Upper Coast and Rio Grande Valley. Depending on the area of the state in which you live, planting dates for potatoes may be as early as December or as late as April. Red La Soda and Viking are red potato varieties grown commercially in Texas, but other red potato varieties are available to the home gardener. Early- and mid-season varieties are the best red potatoes to grow in hot climates such as Texas because they mature before stressed by the heat of summer. Does this Spark an idea?
Red La Soda
Red La Soda has been in cultivation since the early 1950s, when it was developed by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station. This mid-season potato has red skin and medium-depth eyes. It is good for baking or boiling and has a drier, fluffier texture than other red-skinned potatoes. Red La Soda receives high ratings in taste tests. This potato can be reliably grown in Texas as long as it's planted at least 90 days before temperatures regularly reach 90 F.
Viking
The Viking variety is a mid-season potato with smooth skin and shallow eyes. Its flesh is white while its skin is light red. Viking potatoes are round to oblong in shape and have some resistance to potato scab. They mature in 90 days and will produce reliably in Texas if planted three months before hot weather sets in.
Norland
The Norland potato was developed by the North Dakota Agricultural College and released to growers in 1957. This early-season potato matures in 60 days. In certain areas of Texas, it may be planted as late as April and still have high yields. Norland potatoes have smooth, medium-red skin, shallow eyes, and white flesh. They are considered good for roasting, boiling and making potato salad. According to the Idaho Potato Commission's website, they are moist and have an "excellent potato flavor." Baby Norland potatoes usually sell at a higher price than regular-sized Norland potatoes. This variety shows some resistance to rhizoctonia and potato scab.
Sangre
Sangre potatoes are a mid-season variety with dark red skin. They should be planted one to two weeks before the average last frost date in your part of Texas, and they will be ready to harvest 90 days later. Sangre potatoes have shallow eyes and white flesh, and they are rated high in vitamin C. These potatoes are oblong to oval in shape and have a low incidence of hollow heart defects. They store well and are good for boiling or baking.
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