How to Grow Pembury Blue Potato
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Pembury Blue Potato
Solanum tuberosum 'Pembury Blue'
vegetablePembury Blue is a distinctive blue-skinned potato variety with deep purple/blue flesh, developed in the UK. It's a mid-season maincrop potato known for its striking appearance and nutty, slightly sweet flavor. This heirloom variety is excellent for culinary use and adds visual interest to dishes.
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Example Pembury Blue Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pembury Blue Potato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pembury Blue Potato
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pembury Blue Potato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, can be grown in zones 3-9 with proper management
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Seed Piece & Sprout
2-3 weeksCut seed potato pieces are planted; sprouts emerge from the soil surface
Plant in late March to early April in cool climates. Ensure soil temperature is at least 40°F (4°C). Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksLeafy stems develop and grow upward; underground stolon formation begins
Hill soil around emerging stems every 2-3 weeks to cover developing tubers and prevent greening. Maintain consistent watering. Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture
Flowering
3-4 weeksPlants produce purple/blue flowers, indicating tuber development is underway
Continue hilling. Monitor for pests and diseases. Maintain even moisture; inconsistency can cause tuber defects. This variety's flowers may be sparse or absent
Tuber Bulking
4-6 weeksUnderground tubers enlarge and develop their characteristic blue skin and purple flesh
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase potassium. Keep foliage healthy with consistent watering. Protect from late blight by ensuring good air circulation and removing lower leaves if needed
Maturity & Harvest
At maturityFoliage yellows and dies back; tubers reach full size with firm, thick skins
Stop watering 2-3 weeks before harvest to cure skins. Harvest when foliage is completely dead. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Cure in cool, dark, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks before storage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early in season; use row covers; apply spinosad or pyrethrin-based insecticides; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Use reflective mulches; apply insecticidal soap; remove affected leaves; monitor closely for yellowing
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Crop rotation; remove debris; use traps with potatoes; avoid planting in newly cultivated sod
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove lower leaves; apply copper fungicide or mancozeb; destroy infected plants
Uses
Unique Tableware & Presentation
CulinaryThe striking blue and purple coloring makes Pembury Blue potatoes visually distinctive in dishes, soups, and salads. They are excellent for mashing, roasting, and boiling, adding an unusual visual element to any potato dish. [source]
Nutty Flavor Profile
CulinaryPembury Blue has a distinctive nutty, slightly sweet flavor that sets it apart from white or yellow potato varieties. This makes it ideal for gourmet cooking and fine dining applications. [source]
Antioxidant Content
MedicinalThe blue and purple coloring indicates high anthocyanin content, a powerful antioxidant with potential anti-inflammatory and health-promoting properties. Regular consumption may contribute to overall wellness. [source]
Heirloom Seed Saving
HouseholdPembury Blue is an excellent variety for home gardeners interested in seed potato preservation and saving. The distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify and maintain purity in seed crops. [source]
Pollinator Garden Support
WildlifeWhile primarily grown for tubers, Pembury Blue flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects when allowed to bloom. Growing several plants together supports pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when foliage dies back completely (100-120 days after planting). Dig carefully to avoid bruising the tubers. For long-term storage, cure potatoes in a cool (45-50°F), dark, humid place for 2-3 weeks. Store in cool (35-40°F), dark conditions; they can last 4-6 months. Use as soon as possible for best flavor and color intensity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pembury Blue was developed at Pembury in Kent, England, and is prized by British gardeners and chefs for its striking appearance and historical significance.
- 🌱 The deep purple and blue coloring comes from high concentrations of anthocyanins, the same compounds found in blueberries, acai berries, and purple cabbage.
- 🌱 Pembury Blue potatoes can lose some of their vivid blue coloring during cooking if not prepared properly—boiling with the skin on or steaming helps preserve the dramatic hue better than mashing or frying.
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