If you are new to growing potatoes, one of the first things that causes confusion is the difference between first earlies, second earlies, and maincrop potatoes. Garden centres and seed catalogues are full of these terms, yet many beginners are left wondering what they actually mean and which type they should grow.

In reality, the difference is mainly about time. Each type matures at a different speed, giving gardeners the chance to stagger harvests across the growing season. By choosing a mixture of all three, it is possible to enjoy fresh new potatoes in early summer and still have large storage potatoes through autumn and winter.

Many experienced allotment growers use a staggered system of first earlies, second earlies and maincrops to extend the harvest season and improve self-sufficiency.

Collapsible content

What are first early potatoes?

First earlies are the quickest potatoes to mature. These are the classic “new potatoes” many gardeners look forward to every year.

They are usually planted between:

  • February and March (depending on weather and region)

And harvested around:

  • June to July

Most first earlies are ready in approximately:

  • 10–12 weeks after planting.

Because they grow quickly, they are often harvested before late summer potato blight becomes a major issue. This makes them particularly useful for gardeners who struggle with blight every year.

Characteristics of First Earlies

  • Small, tender potatoes
  • Thin skins
  • Excellent flavour
  • Best eaten fresh
  • Usually poor for long-term storage
  • Ideal for containers and potato bags

Many allotment growers start first earlies early indoors by “chitting” them on cool, bright windowsills through winter.

Popular First Early Varieties

  • Rocket
  • Red Duke of York
  • Arran Pilot
  • Casablanca
  • Maris Bard

What are second early potatoes?

Second earlies sit in the middle ground between fast-growing first earlies and long-season maincrops.

They are generally planted:

  • March to April

And harvested:

  • July to August

They usually take around:

  • 14–16 weeks to mature.

Second earlies are often slightly larger than first earlies and produce heavier crops, while still retaining the lovely flavour and texture associated with new potatoes.

Characteristics of Second Earlies

  • Larger than first earlies
  • Good yields
  • Still relatively quick growing
  • Suitable for boiling and salads
  • Moderate storage ability
  • Good all-round garden potato

Many gardeners see second earlies as the perfect compromise between flavour and productivity.

Popular Second Early Varieties

  • Charlotte
  • Kestrel
  • Nadine
  • Jazzy
  • Estima

Charlotte remains one of the most popular UK allotment potatoes because of its superb flavour and versatility.

What are main crop potatoes?

Maincrop potatoes are the large, long-season potatoes traditionally grown for winter storage.

These are planted later and stay in the ground much longer than earlies.

They are usually planted:

  • April to May

And harvested:

  • Late August to October

Maincrops can take:

  • 15–22 weeks to fully mature.

Unlike earlies, maincrop potatoes are designed for:

  • large harvests
  • baking potatoes
  • roasting potatoes
  • long-term winter storage

Characteristics of Maincrop Potatoes

  • Large tubers
  • Heavy cropping
  • Thick skins
  • Better storage ability
  • Excellent for roasting and baking
  • Require more growing space

Because they remain in the ground longer, maincrops are generally more exposed to late summer blight problems. This is why many gardeners grow a mixture of earlies and maincrops rather than relying on one type alone.

Popular Maincrop Varieties

  • Maris Piper
  • King Edward
  • Desiree
  • Sarpo Mira
  • Cara

Sarpo Mira has become particularly popular among allotment growers due to its strong blight resistance.

Why Grow All Three Types?

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is planting only one type of potato.

Growing all three groups provides:

  • earlier harvests
  • a longer cropping season
  • better kitchen variety
  • reduced risk of total crop failure

A typical allotment grower might:

  • harvest first earlies in June
  • second earlies in July and August
  • maincrops through autumn

This creates a near-continuous potato supply for much of the year.

Successional planting and staggered harvesting is a key part of productive allotment growing.