How to Grow Schorbuser Blut
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Schorbuser Blut
Solanum tuberosum 'Schorbuser Blut'
vegetableSchorbuser Blut is a distinctive German potato variety with deep purple-red skin and purple flesh throughout. Known for its exceptional nutritional value, particularly high anthocyanin content, and striking appearance in the kitchen. This heirloom variety offers excellent flavor and disease resistance, making it both a culinary and gardening treasure.
When should you plant Schorbuser Blut in your zone?
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Example Schorbuser Blut timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Schorbuser Blut
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 Schorbuser Blut
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Schorbuser Blut dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, prefers cooler climates with consistent moisture
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Seed Piece Preparation & Planting
1 week prep, plant in springCut seed potatoes into 1.5-2 oz pieces with at least 2 eyes each. Allow cut pieces to cure for 1-2 days to form a protective layer before planting in early spring when soil reaches 45-50°F.
Use disease-free certified seed potatoes. Plant pointed end up, 4-6 inches deep in prepared beds. Ensure well-draining soil to prevent seed rot.
Emergence & Early Growth
2-3 weeksSprouts emerge from soil 2-3 weeks after planting. Purple-tinged stems and leaves begin developing. Plant is still underground, establishing root system and tuber initiation sites.
Begin 'hilling'—mounding soil around developing plants to 4-6 inches—to prevent tuber exposure to light and greening. Water consistently. Monitor for emerging weeds.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVigorous foliage development with deeply lobed leaves (often with purple veining in Schorbuser Blut). Multiple stems per plant. Tubers underground are enlarging and developing their characteristic deep purple color.
Continue hilling as plants grow; repeat 2-3 times total. Water 1-2 inches weekly. Apply organic mulch to regulate moisture and temperature. Watch for pests and disease.
Flowering & Tuber Development
2-3 weeksSmall purple or white flowers appear (some varieties produce seed potatoes). Underground, tubers reach full size and develop maximum pigment intensity. Leaves remain lush and green.
Maintain consistent watering during this critical stage—erratic water supply can cause hollow heart and poor tuber development. Continue monitoring for late blight and pests. Reduce fertilizer at this point if using.
Maturity & Harvest
2-3 weeks before harvestFoliage begins yellowing and dying back. Tuber skins harden and set. Underground, potatoes have reached full size with deep purple coloration throughout flesh and skin.
Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest to harden skins. When foliage dies back completely, harvest carefully to avoid bruising and discoloration. Cure in cool, dark place (55-65°F, 60-80% humidity) for 1-2 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters daily; use row covers until flowering. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Encourage beneficial insects. Rotate crops annually.
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Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for nymphs. Remove affected plants if yellowing appears. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Plant resistant varieties when possible.
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Spray with strong water spray; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Reflective mulch can deter infestations.
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Hill adequately to prevent light exposure of tubers. Use pheromone traps. Remove volunteer potatoes. Store harvested tubers in cool, dark location.
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Remove infected foliage immediately. Improve air circulation and reduce leaf wetness. Apply copper fungicide or sulfur at first sign. Choose resistant varieties. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Distinctive Purple Cooking & Presentation
CulinarySchorbuser Blut's striking purple color persists through cooking (especially when steamed or boiled), making visually stunning dishes. The firm, waxy texture holds shape well, making it ideal for potato salads, gratins, and whole potato preparations. [source]
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
MedicinalThe deep purple pigmentation comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and cognitive benefits. Regular consumption may support cardiovascular and brain health. [source]
Specialty Gourmet & Heirloom Cooking
CulinaryPrized by chefs and food enthusiasts for its nutty, slightly complex flavor profile and historical significance. Perfect for roasting, mashing, or showcasing in upscale cuisine and farm-to-table restaurants. [source]
Natural Food Dye & Botanical Art
CraftThe concentrated anthocyanins in Schorbuser Blut can be used to create natural purple, blue, and pink dyes for textiles and food coloring without synthetic chemicals. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe flowering stage provides nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that help control garden pests. [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 70-90 days after planting when foliage has completely died back. Dig carefully with a garden fork, working from outer edges inward to avoid bruising and dark discoloration. Schorbuser Blut is particularly prone to bruising, which shows as dark marks; handle gently. For storage, cure for 1-2 weeks at 55-65°F in darkness, then store in cool (38-40°F), dark, humid conditions for up to 4-5 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Schorbuser Blut is a German heirloom variety whose name translates to 'scabious blood,' referring to its deep blood-red color and potential historical use in treating scabious (a skin condition).
- 🌱 The purple color intensifies with sunlight exposure—potatoes that push through the soil surface often display even deeper, more vibrant purple coloration due to anthocyanin concentration in response to light.
- 🌱 Unlike many colorful potatoes that lose their color when cooked, Schorbuser Blut's purple pigmentation remains remarkably stable through boiling and steaming, making it one of the best colored potatoes for visual appeal in finished dishes.
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