How to Grow Whitewell Purple
Wikimedia Commons
Whitewell Purple
Solanum tuberosum 'Whitewell Purple'
vegetableWhitewell Purple is a heritage potato variety prized for its striking deep purple skin and flesh, offering both visual appeal and excellent culinary versatility. This medium-to-late season cultivar produces reliable yields and stores exceptionally well. The vibrant purple color is rich in anthocyanins, making it both a nutritious and decorative addition to the garden.
When should you plant Whitewell Purple in your zone?
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Example Whitewell Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Whitewell Purple
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 Whitewell Purple
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Whitewell Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; best performance in cooler zones 4-7
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Seed Potato Preparation
3-5 days pre-plantingSeed potatoes show visible eyes (buds) and begin to sprout small shoots
Use certified disease-free seed potatoes; plant whole if under 2 oz or cut into pieces with 2+ eyes each; allow cut pieces to cure 1-2 days before planting to reduce rot
Emergence
2-3 weeksShoots break through soil surface; first leaves unfurl with characteristic purple-tinged foliage
Begin hilling soil once sprouts are 6-8 inches tall; repeat every 3-4 weeks to bury developing stolons and prevent tubers from greening
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRobust bushy plants with purple-tinged stems and leaves; rapid leaf and stem development
Maintain consistent moisture; apply mulch to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature; monitor for late blight and other diseases; fertilize mid-season with balanced fertilizer or compost tea
Flowering
2-3 weeksPlants produce attractive purple flowers in clusters; tubers begin rapid sizing underground
Continue regular hilling and watering; flowers are non-essential—they can be left or removed; this marks mid-season; increase vigilance for pests and diseases
Tuber Maturation & Harvest
2-4 weeksFoliage yellows and dies back; skins thicken and set; deep purple color fully develops in tubers
Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to harden skins; harvest when foliage is mostly dead; dig carefully to avoid bruising; cure at 50-60°F, 85-90% humidity for 2 weeks to heal minor wounds
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters; use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or spinosad; rotate crops annually; encourage parasitoid wasps
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Choose resistant varieties; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage immediately; apply copper or chlorothalonil fungicides preventatively in humid conditions
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Remove lower leaves as plants grow; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply sulfur or copper fungicides; destroy diseased plant material
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Spray strong water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; attract beneficial insects with flowers; apply neem oil if infestation is heavy
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Practice crop rotation; avoid high-organic soils where possible; use beneficial nematodes; plant trap crops like rye in fall prior to planting
Uses
Roasting, mashing, and boiling
CulinaryWhitewell Purple's firm texture and nutty flavor make it excellent for roasting whole, mashing with butter and cream, or boiling for potato salads. The stunning purple color is best retained when cooked with the skin on or in acidic liquids. [source]
Vibrant plating and presentations
CulinaryThe natural deep purple hue provides striking visual contrast in gourmet dishes, risottos, and restaurant presentations without any artificial coloring. Particularly striking when sliced thinly for gratins or layered dishes. [source]
Antioxidant nutritional value
MedicinalPurple potatoes are rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest they may support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation when consumed regularly. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdThe purple pigment in Whitewell Purple can be extracted and used as a natural dye for fabrics and crafts. Historically, purple-fleshed potatoes have been used to create vibrant dyes without synthetic chemicals. [source]
Beneficial insect habitat
WildlifePotato plants in bloom provide pollen and nectar for pollinators and beneficial insects. Allowing flowers to remain attracts parasitoid wasps that control pest populations naturally. [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 has mostly died back and skins feel firm (approximately 3-4 months after planting). Dig carefully with a broadfork to avoid bruising the attractive purple tubers. For storage, cure potatoes at 50-60°F with 85-90% humidity for 2 weeks, then store in a cool (45-50°F), dark, well-ventilated location. Purple potatoes retain their vibrant color best when stored away from light. Use within 3-4 months for peak color and nutritional content, though they can last longer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Whitewell Purple is a heritage variety dating back over a century, originally developed in the UK and prized by heirloom gardeners for its striking appearance and reliable performance.
- 🌱 The purple color in Whitewell Purple comes from anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and red cabbage, making it one of the most nutrient-dense potato varieties available.
- 🌱 When cooked, Whitewell Purple potatoes retain their vivid purple hue better than most other purple varieties, especially when steamed or roasted with minimal water contact, making them ideal for visually impressive dishes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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