Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Solanum tuberosum 'Shetland Black' is a heritage potato that, as the name suggests, was originally grown in the Shetland Isles. It's unknown exactly when it was introduced there, but it was added to the National Collection in 1923. The foliage is an attractive dark green and the flowers purple-white.

A second early potato, Solanum tuberosum 'Shetland Black' produces lots of small- to medium-sized oval tubers. The new potatoes have a slightly mottled, dark blue/purple skin and are small in comparison with supermarket-bought produce. But they are worth a little extra effort – they are floury in texture and have a delicious flavour, making them excellent for chipping or roasting.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Harvestyesyesyes

Solanum ‘Shetland black’ and wildlife

Solanum ‘Shetland black’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Solanum ‘Shetland black’ poisonous?

Solanum ‘Shetland black’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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