About My Chosen Purple Potatoes

My Chosen Purple is a striking 2020 release from the Metchosin Farm potato breeding program. Combining ornamental beauty with culinary excellence. Glossy black stems and vibrant purple flowers with dark yellow centres make this potato as suited for ornamental gardens as for the vegetable patch.

The tubers feature deep purple/black skin and speckled purple flesh, delivering exceptional flavour and versatility in the kitchen. With good blight resistance and strong yields, My Chosen Purple is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking unique, reliable potatoes.

Companion plants like beans, corn, and marigolds pair well with My Chosen Purple, deterring pests and enriching the soil.

Where Can You Grow My Chosen Purple Potatoes

This variety thrives in well-draining soil and full sun. Suitable for Zones 4-9, it can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, or containers. Its striking appearance also makes it a great choice for patio planters or as a cut flower in arrangements.

History and Historical Uses

Developed in 2020 at Metchosin Farm, My Chosen Purple is a product of dedicated potato breeding efforts to combine ornamental value, culinary quality, and disease resistance. This unique potato has quickly become a favourite for its versatility and beauty, appreciated by both gardeners and cooks alike.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Plant seed potatoes in early spring for a summer harvest.
• Zones 5-7: Plant in mid-spring after the ground has warmed, harvesting in late summer or early autumn.
• Zone 4: Start planting as soon as the soil is workable in spring and harvest before the first frost.

How to Grow My Chosen Purple Potatoes

1. Prepare the Soil: Ensure well-drained, fertile soil. Enrich with compost or organic matter before planting.
2. Planting: Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one eye per piece. Plant 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in rows. Space rows 60cm (24in) apart.
3. Hilling: Mound soil around stems as the plants grow to protect tubers and encourage yields.
4. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Harvesting: Harvest when the foliage dies back or earlier for smaller, new potatoes.

How to Save My Chosen Purple Potatoes for Planting Next Year

1. Select Healthy Tubers: Choose disease-free, medium-sized potatoes with multiple eyes for seed saving.
2. Cure: Lay harvested tubers in a single layer in a dark, cool, and dry location for 1-2 weeks.
3. Store: Store cured potatoes in a cool (4-10°C/40-50°F), dark, and ventilated space. Avoid plastic bags; use mesh or wooden crates.
4. Inspect: Regularly check stored potatoes and remove any with signs of rot or sprouting.
5. Prepare for Planting: Allow sprouting at room temperature a few days before planting.

How to Save Potato Seed Fruit

1. Harvest the Berries: Allow potato plants to produce and mature their small green or purple seed fruit. Harvest when the berries are soft and fully ripe.
2. Extract the Seeds: Slice the berries open and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding gel.
3. Fermentation: Place the seeds and gel in a jar with a small amount of water. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for 2-3 days to ferment, stirring daily to break up the gel.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the seeds under cool water, removing any remaining pulp. Spread the seeds on a paper towel or screen to dry completely.
5. Store: Store the dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-5 years.

Note: Growing potatoes from true seed is a more complex and time-intensive process compared to planting tubers. It is most often used by breeders to create new potato varieties.

Certified Organic by

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)