
What is a Maris Piper potato?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Maris Piper is the most widely grown potato variety in the United Kingdom accounting for 16% of the planted area in 2014. Introduced in 1966 it was one of the first potato varieties bred to be resistant to a form of potato cyst nematode, a major pest of potato production in the UK.
Are there any shipping restrictions on Maris Piper potato seeds?
There are shipping restrictions on Maris Piper potato seeds, advises Specialty Produce, so this variety is less common in the United States and other parts of the world. Maris Piper potatoes are a high-yield potato cultivar commonly grown in the United Kingdom for commercial uses.
What is the resistance of Maris Piper to potato viruses?
For example, Maris Piper has a high resistance to potato virus A and X and a medium to high resistance to potato leaf roll virus and tobacco rattle virus, advises the European Cultivated Potato Database. Additionally, it has a high resistance to the potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis).
How do you grow Maris Piper potatoes?
Although potatoes will grow in soils with a higher pH level, they will be more prone to scab, a disease to which the Maris Piper has little resistance. Plant seed potatoes in the spring when the soil temperature is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Potatoes should be planted 9 to 12 inches apart. The seeds germinate and sprout in 14 to 28 days.

Are Maris Piper potatoes British?
A favourite English potato grown since the 60s, Maris Piper is a purple flowered maincrop potato and is one of the best known and most popular varieties on sale today. More Maris Piper potatoes are grown than any other variety in the UK - over 19,000 hectares were grown in 2012.
How do Maris Piper potatoes grow UK?
We recommend planting Main Crop potato tubers, such as Maris Piper, outside between March and April, 10cm deep and 20cm apart in a line. Leave at least 30cm between lines to allow growing space. Prior to planting, encourage Seed Potatoes to sprout by placing them on a cool, bright windowsill for 4-6 weeks.
Are Maris Piper potatoes available in the US?
They are often fried or roasted and used to make chips or French fries. There are shipping restrictions on Maris Piper potato seeds, advises Specialty Produce, so this variety is less common in the United States and other parts of the world.
Why is it called Maris Piper?
The first part of the variety's name came from Maris Lane in Trumpington where the Plant Breeding Institute was located. By convention, the breeder got to choose the second name, with Piper chosen arbitrarily by Howard's son, although earlier, he had proposed calling it Maris Pard.
Which potatoes are best to grow UK?
To avoid potato blight, try growing blight-resistant new potatoes like 'Desiree', 'Rocket' and 'Orla'.Buy Desiree from Suttons, Crocus and Thompson & Morgan.Buy Potato 'Rocket' from Crocus, Suttons and Thompson & Morgan.Buy Potato 'Orla' from Crocus, Suttons and Thompson & Morgan.
What is the difference between Maris Piper and King Edward potatoes?
King Edward: Super crispy with a good light interior. But taste is more goose than potato. Maris Piper: More hard than crispy, and very heavy inside. Tastes like a chip.
What is the most popular potato in America?
RussetsRusset. Perhaps the most popular potato in North America and Western Europe, Russets are a North American variety cultivated by Luther Burbank at the turn of the 20th century.
Where do the best potatoes come from in the US?
In the United States, Idaho topped the ranking of leading potato producing states, with an annual production amount of about 129 million cwt of potatoes in 2021.
What is a US No 1 potato?
1" consists of potatoes which meet the following requirements: (a) Similar varietal characteristics, except when designated as a mixed or specialty pack; (b) Firm; (c) Fairly clean; 2.
What is the most popular potato?
Russet Potatoes Most potatoes grown in the US are of the russet variety, meaning they're what most people picture when you say "potato." With a mildly rough brown-grey skin, the flesh once cooked is light and fluffy and the skin becomes chewy.
What potato is similar to Maris Piper?
They love the Agria because its texture means that it makes irresistibly crispy French fries. Taste is equally important, of course, and once again our customers are impressed by the Agria, which easily rivals the highly popular Maris Piper.
What's the difference between Maris Piper and white potatoes?
Maris Piper Potatoes Maris Pipers are fairly similar to King Edwards. The main difference, however, is its dryness. While a dry potato works great when making floury mash, maybe avoid using for a jacket potato.
How do you know when Maris Piper potatoes are ready to harvest?
Maris Piper are a main crop potato not an early variety. Depends on when they were planted and weather conditions but are generally ready around July onwards. Best thing is just to dig one plant up with a fork and see how they are doing in mid July; if they are a bit small leave them a bit longer.
How long does it take for Maris Piper to grow?
18 to 20 weeksMaris Piper potatoes are maincrop potatoes and they are ready for harvest, if conditions are correct, 18 to 20 weeks after the seed potatoes are planted.
Are Maris Piper potatoes easy to grow?
A reliable general purpose choice producing tubers that show good resistance to eelworm and are a national favourite. Great beginner variety.
How do you know when potatoes are ready to harvest?
Let the potato plants and the weather tell you when to harvest them. Wait until the tops of the vines have completely died before you begin harvesting. When the vines are dead, it is a sure sign the potatoes have finished growing and are ready to be harvested.
What is Maris Piper?
Maris Piper is the most widely grown potato variety in the United Kingdom accounting for 16% of the planted area in 2014. Introduced in 1966 it was one of the first potato varieties bred to be resistant to a form of potato cyst nematode, a major pest of potato production in the UK. It has been the most widely grown variety in the UK since 1980 and is suitable for a range of uses including chips, roast potatoes and mashed potatoes .
Why is Maris Piper so popular?
It became popular both due being resistant to nematodes and its taste being popular with consumers. Maris Piper has a fluffy texture and is considered an "all-rounder" potato. It is widely used to make chips (French fries) due to it having high dry matter and low reducing sugars.
When did the potato cyst nematode start?
Breeding. Attempts to find resistance to the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis in wild potatoes began in 1941, when Conrad Ellenby started testing over 60 species held in the Commonwealth Potato Collection, finding that few were resistant or suitable to breed with cultivated potatoes. In a letter to Nature in 1952, Ellenby reported ...
How is scab controlled?
Common scab is controlled by irrigating crops just as the potatoes begin to form, requiring "perfect timing and perfect irrigation". Maris Piper was one of the first varieties with resistance to G. rostochiensis, with the H1 gene giving complete resistance to UK strains.
What gene is used to prevent nematodes from eating potatoes?
When nematodes feed on the roots, the H1 gene results in the potato roots dying, preventing the nematodes from feeding and making it likely they die or turn into males. H1 is thought to encode a protein that specifically detects the product of one nematode gene during feeding, a so-called gene-for-gene relationship.
Where did the name Maris Pard come from?
The first part of the variety's name came from Maris Lane in Trumpington where the Plant Breeding Institute was located. By convention, the breeder got to choose the second name, with Piper chosen arbitrarily by Howard's son, although earlier, he had proposed calling it Maris Pard. It should not be confused with Maris Peer, another variety of potato.
Who crossed wild potato with contemporary varieties?
Led by H. W. Howard, workers at the Plant Breeding Institute in Cambridge crossed the wild potato with contemporary varieties to produce a high-yielding, resistant variety. CPC 1673 was backcrossed, crossed with Ulster Knight, and then crossed with a cross of Arran Cairn and Herald.
Where is Maris Piper grown?
The Maris Piper is a commercial cultivar mostly grown in the UK. Sadly they are a bit harder to find in the US as a result of some restrictions placed on their shipping. The potato is a people’s favorite in the UK.
What is the texture of Maris Piper?
The Maris Piper has a floury and fluffy texture when cooked. This is, again, accompanied by some mild and yet earthy flavors.
Why is Maris Piper so popular?
The Maris Piper ended up becoming a famous variety with the farmers because of its high yield. This was again boosted by the fact that they were also resistant to multiple pests and diseases. So, who wouldn’t anyone want that?
Why do my potato tubers rot?
Note: Poorly drained soils and overwatering may make your potato tubers rot.
How long do agria potatoes last?
But on the brighter side, it also has a great shelf life. The Agria potatoes, under proper storage, could serve you well for over 6 months.
How to keep potatoes from getting too dry?
To prevent this from happening, you can do some mulching around the plants. It will cover your potatoes and retain the soil moisture at the same time.
How long does it take for a potato to sprout?
Germination and sprouting combined can take up to 28 days for most potato varieties. As for the Maris Piper, you can check on them for harvesting after 111 – 120 days from planting.
What is a maris piper?
The Maris Piper cultivar is one of the 33 cultivars created by John Clarke, a potato grower in Ireland, advises Specialty Produce . The plant has magenta blooms, and the oval-shaped potato has a smooth, buff-colored skin, advises Dave's Garden. It has a medium starch content and a dry, mealy texture. This variety became a popular cultivar due ...
Why is Maris Piper so popular?
This variety became a popular cultivar due to its high yield and resistance to several problematic diseases and pests. For example, Maris Piper has a high resistance to potato virus A and X and a medium to high resistance to potato leaf roll virus and tobacco rattle virus, advises the European Cultivated Potato Database.
How to keep potatoes from turning green?
Keep the potato tuber covered. Potatoes that are exposed to the air have a bitter flavor and a green color. You can accomplish this by mulching around the potato plants. This protects the potato and helps retain moisture in the soil.
How long does it take for a maris piper to sprout?
The seeds germinate and sprout in 14 to 28 days. Maris Piper potatoes are ready for harvest 111 to 120 days after planting. Garden-grown potatoes are not generally prone to pest infestations. Late frosts do not generally damage the tuber, although the above-ground foliage may suffer.
How to grow potatoes at home?
Planting Potatoes at Home. Be sure to select a location where the potatoes will get full sun and amend the soil with plenty of organic material. Do a soil test to determine the acidity level of the soil and amend the soil if needed to reach the ideal pH of 4.8 to 5.5, advises Cornell University. Although potatoes will grow in soils ...
Why do potatoes rot?
Excess water and poorly drained soils may cause the potato to rot. Fertilization is not necessary during the growing season, and adding nitrogen can actually decrease the quality of the potato since the nitrogen causes the plant to redirect energy to the foliage. Keep the potato tuber covered.
How to store potatoes after harvest?
After you harvest the vegetable, remove any rotted or damaged potatoes and brush off excess dirt. Store the potatoes in a cool, dark, moist environment.
How long do maris piper potatoes keep?
Maris Piper potatoes will keep for a few weeks when stored in a cool, dry place with little to no sunlight.
What is Maris Piper potato?
Maris Piper potatoes, botanically classified as Solanum tuberosum ‘Maris Piper’, are considered by some to be the most commonly grown variety in the United Kingdom and is popular for making chips, also known as French fries.
Where did Maris Piper potatoes come from?
Maris Piper potatoes originated in Ireland from grower John Clarke in 1963. Clarke created over thirty-three certified varieties of potatoes and worked closely with Dr. Harold Howard who was in charge of the Cambridge breeding institute. Many new produce varieties were grown at the institute and given the first name of "Maris" due to the location of the institute on Maris Lane. The second name given to each new crop began with the first letter of the specific variety. In this instance, Harold Howard’s son, William, suggested Piper to be the name to denote the letter “P” for potato.
What is produce sharing?
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
What is the second name given to each new crop?
The second name given to each new crop began with the first letter of the specific variety. In this instance, Harold Howard’s son, William, suggested Piper to be the name to denote the letter “P” for potato.
Can you cook maris piper potatoes?
Maris Piper potatoes are best suited for cooked applications such as chipping, roasting, mashing, or baking. Maris Piper potatoes contain a high amount of dry matter content which makes them ideal for frying or roasting to obtain a crunchy outside and fluffy texture on the inside. Maris Piper potatoes pair well with simple seasonings such as salt and pepper and fresh herbs or can be combined in savory dishes such as potato and egg hash. Maris Piper potatoes will keep for a few weeks when stored in a cool, dry place with little to no sunlight.
Potato
Maincrop potato varieties occupy the ground longer than other kinds, but produce the heaviest yields, often with very large tubers ideal for baking.
Solanum 'Maris Piper' and wildlife
Solanum 'Maris Piper' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
What is a maris piper?
A bit about Maris Piper. A favourite English potato grown since the 60s, Maris Piper is a purple flowered maincrop potato and is one of the best known and most popular varieties on sale today. More Maris Piper potatoes are grown than any other variety in the UK - over 19,000 hectares were grown in 2012. Maris Pipers are readily available in ...
Can Maris Piper potatoes be used in mash?
Try out Maris Piper potatoes in our exquisitely soft and fluffy colcannon potatoes mash recipe, or alternatively head to our wider potato recipes which are broken down into helpful categories so you can find what you want quickly and easily.
What Kind of Potato is Maris Piper?
Maris Piper potatoes, botanically categorized as Solanum tuberosum ‘Maris Piper’.
What size are maris piper potatoes?
Maris Piper potatoes come in small to medium size with oval to oblong in shape.
What is a russet potato?
A russet potato is a variety of potato which has dark brown skin and few eyes.
Where did Maris Piper potato originate?
Maris Piper potato variety originated in Ireland from grower John Clarke in 1963.
Why do people like Agria?
Most people love the Agria because of its texture. It means that it makes overwhelmingly crispy French fries.
What is the name of the potatoes that are waxy and firm?
Other varieties fall in the middle that holds both waxy and firm qualities. These are known as all-rounders po tatoes variety. They have the creamy consistency required for a smooth mash.
What size are Yukon gold potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes come in medium to large sizes. They are round to oblong with a little flattened shape.

Origin
Maris Piper is the most widely grown potato variety in the United Kingdom accounting for 16% of the planted area in 2014. Introduced in 1966 it was one of the first potato varieties bred to be resistant to a form of potato cyst nematode, a major pest of potato production in the UK. It has been the most widely grown variety in the UK since 1980 and is suitable for a range of uses including chips, roast …
Pests and Disease Resistance
Description of The Maris Piper
Taste and Nutrition
Planting Maris Piper Potatoes
Growth and Care
- As I’ve hinted above, the Maris Piper potatoes have great resistance against pests and nematodes. This is as a result of the years of crossbreeding that made them inherit the best resistance possible. It also made them resistant to some viruses. In the end, it reduced stress for their farmers. For instance, a database shows that they have developed resistance against virus…
Uses of The Maris Piper Potato
- The Maris Piper potato is one of the most sold potato varieties in the markets today. It is no secret, then, that is why it is the most grown potato in the United Kingdom. Let’s quickly look at Maris Piper’s profile summary that I prepared below:
Other ‘All-Round’ Potato Alternatives
- The Maris Piper has a floury and fluffy texture when cooked. This is, again, accompanied by some mild and yet earthy flavors. To complement the taste, you can add regular seasoning like salt, herbs, and fresh pepper. Worth mentioning is that I found the Maris Piper variety great for all uses except boiling. The thing is, their floury flesh makes them break and fall apart when boiled. This i…
Conclusion
- Light
When selecting a location, pick an area that receives good light. The Maris Piper requires full sun exposure to grow well. This means that you ensure there are no towering plants nearby. This is because they can affect your plants’ light reception. - Choice of soil
You must confirm that your soil has attained an acidity level of pH of 4.8 – 5.5. To know this, you have to perform a soil testand make amendments if required. Still, your Maris Piper potatoes can grow in soils with higher pH levels. But this will leave them more susceptible to a disease like Sc…