Today we will introduce you to premium european potatoes which for a relatively recent period of cultivation in the CIS countries, has managed to become one of the most popular varieties.
This was facilitated by its excellent taste, as well as many other positive properties that make it almost universal.
Potatoes Asterix variety description
Potatoes Asterix was obtained thanks to the efforts of the Dutch breeders, and in the State Register of varieties of the Russian Federation in the Middle Volga region it has been listed since 1998. 
It belongs to late-ripening varieties, the full vegetation cycle lasts 100-120 days after the first shoots.
Average yield may vary from 13 to 27 tons from one hectare. Not prone to darkening from physical damage, making it perfect for long-term transportation.
Besides, has a unique keeping qualitywhich provides him with secure storage in cellars or warehouses for entire seasons. Marketability of fruits leaving is in the region of 71 - 91%.
The tubers are oval and oblong, of medium size and weighing from 70 to 120 g. The skin is dense (it is this which provides resistance to mechanical damage), pink-violet. The eyes on its surface form a little.
The flesh is a pleasant light yellow color, the starch content, like in most late varieties, is quite high - from 14 to 17%. Usually one plant forms about 10 to 12 such beautiful tubers.
Bushes in this variety are erect and quite tall. Belong to the intermediate type with medium developed tops. The leaves are small, dark green with a barely noticeable waviness at the edges. The corollas of flowers of red-violet hue, bloom beautifully, but quickly fall off.
A photo
See below: potato variety Asterix photo
Features grade
Asterix potatoes, which is not in vain refers to table varietiesAfter all, it will surely be a decoration for any holiday table. Its flesh does not have the properties to darken during heat treatment, and, in addition, it has an average friability.
Because of this, it is well suited for cooking both fried and boiled dishes. Separately, I would like to note that this potato variety makes excellent chips.
In terms of planting and care, he also has several of its nuances.Asterix is unpretentious in terms of soil type, however best developed on the site in which it was grown before leguminous crops or perennial grasses.
Germinated planting material is recommended to be planted in late April, when the soil warms to the cherished 7 ° C and the danger of the return of the last frosts disappears. If you don’t know how to plant, then many gardeners recommend a 70 x 35 planting scheme.
That is, between the rows of potatoes, you retreat by 70 cm, and between the holes in the rows themselves by 35 cm. The optimal digging depth of your seedlings will be 7 - 10 cm.
For further care of the plant you need to remember a few basic rules:
- Asterix reacts positively to harrowing. The first is to be held already 5 days after planting the material, then twice more before the emergence of shoots and the last 2 times after them;
- Also this grade responds well to fertilizerespecially for manure. The use of the latter can increase your yield by more than 50%;
- Variety maximum light and air requiredtherefore, the soil needs to be kept open and free of weeds;
- But he does not need multiple waterings, you can do only three at the right time: the first time immediately after the emergence of shoots, the second during the appearance of buds and the last after the completion of the flowering period;
- With feedings special zeal is also not required, for one season three feedings will be quite enough. It is best to use those drugs that develop the root system, and therefore stimulate the appearance of powerful and beautiful tubers. For example, granular superphosphate.
Diseases and pests
Immunity of Asterix characterized by good resilience to fusarium, cancer, golden nematode, fomozu and twisting of leaves.
but his weakness is the virus Y, from which this variety is practically not protected.
Y virus - is the most dangerous virus for the whole potato culture. If your plants got infected with them, then most likely it will not be possible to overcome it.
therefore preventive measures will be the best means of protectionwhich will protect your potatoes from this disease.
Among them are:
- The virus can persist in plant debris, so weeds and outdated potato stems should be destroyed in a timely manner;
- Aphids and cicadas are the main carriers of this disease; for this reason, it is recommended to spray potato bushes with complex insecticides against these insects;
Potatoes grade Asterix It can be recommended to experienced gardeners, because, obviously, it needs some care and protection. However, he has much more advantages, so if you are confident in your abilities, then you should definitely pay attention to it.
Due to its resistance to damage and its long-term storage, it is perfect for selling in large quantities.
