- Authors: Germany
- Name synonyms: Secura
- Year of approval: 1997
- Appointment: dining room
- Tuber size: large
- Tuber weight, g: 59-150
- Peel color: yellow
- Color of the pulp: yellow
- Starch content,%: 13,0-18,2%
- Tuber shape: oblong
Potatoes are a real king on any Russian table. Salads, soups, preparations are prepared from it, and also used as an independent dish. People who own their own land tend to grow vegetables on their own, and potatoes are no exception. Then the question arises, which variety to choose. Zecura potatoes are a great option for planting and harvesting a large harvest.
Breeding history
The variety was developed in the mid-90s by German breeders. When developing this variety, they wanted to achieve a medium-early high yield. And the result is pleasing. Zekura potatoes ripen earlier than other varieties and produce many tubers. Initially, it was planned to grow only in the central part of Europe, but the variety was so fond of gardeners that it spread to different regions and countries of the world. It has been on sale in Russia for over 20 years and is very popular.
Description of the variety
Zekura potatoes are mid-season varieties. In addition to a rich harvest, it has excellent taste. The bushes are not very sprawling, which makes them easy to care for as they grow.
The advantages include the preservation of varietal properties for several years, excellent storage in basements or storerooms.
Characteristics of the appearance of the bush and root crops
The bush is small, not spreading, erect, the length of one plant reaches 35 centimeters. The flowers are reddish-purple in color, the plant begins to bloom in early or mid-June.
The tubers are oblong in shape, the pulp has a pleasant yellow tint, it tolerates heat treatment well. The fruits are large, can reach 150 grams. The peel, although thin, is very dense, sandy in color, has inconspicuous eyes on the surface, which go a little inward. From one bush, 15 to 20 tubers are harvested.
Purpose and taste of tubers
Zecura potatoes are a table variety. You can cook all sorts of dishes from it: boil for salads, bake with other vegetables in the oven, cook stews, soups, main courses, and the mashed potatoes are very tender, without lumps. Experts still recommend baking potatoes, since in this case more nutrients are retained.
This variety tolerates heat treatment well and practically does not boil over. According to the reviews of gardeners who have tried potatoes, it becomes clear that it has a very delicate and pleasant taste. Contains many trace elements, including sodium, phosphorus, potassium.
Maturation
The variety belongs to medium early, begins to ripen approximately 90-100 days after planting in open ground. Ripening periods can be long, since it all depends on the region and climatic conditions in which the potatoes grow.
Yield
The Zekura variety is classified as a species that gives a large yield. Indeed, up to 323-365 centners of tubers can be harvested from one hectare. The fruits are always large, marketable. It is necessary to change seed potatoes every 6-7 years, otherwise the harvest may become scarce, and the tubers - small.
Growing regions
Initially, it was assumed that the variety will be grown only on the lands of Europe. Now it is grown in the south, in the Far East, and even in Siberia. But the largest number of tubers is harvested in the Black Earth Region, so the variety is optimal for the Russian city of Voronezh.
Growing and care
The variety has its own characteristics when growing and nursing. So, the soil before planting must be well fertilized, otherwise the harvest may not wait at all. Before planting, potatoes must be warmed up well in the sun. During planting of tubers, the soil should be slightly spilled and well warmed up. It is optimal to plant potatoes for the May holidays. A hole or groove is dug under each tuber and covered with earth. The distance between plants should be about 35-40 centimeters.
The variety tolerates a dry period well, but a long lack of moisture can be detrimental to the plant, so agronomists advise installing a drip irrigation system. Hilling is a must for the Zekura variety, as it helps to saturate the root system with oxygen and protect it from the cold.
Loosening the soil after the start of active growth also helps to saturate the root with oxygen and moisture. Additionally, you can apply mineral fertilizers, but the breeders did not give a special scheme, so it is recommended to adhere to the standard system.
Planting potatoes is one of the main spring activities traditional for Russian gardeners. There are many ways to plant this vegetable, allowing you to get a good harvest in different conditions and climates. Before planting, you need to carefully prepare the planting material, correctly determine the timing, competently prepare the soil.
Soil requirements
The variety does not tolerate podzolic soils, therefore, it is necessary to select the desired site for planting in the fall. In the same period, it is recommended to apply mineral fertilizers to the soil. Zekura potatoes love soil with neutral or slightly high acidity. The variety should be planted away from groundwater as there is a risk of tuber decay.
It will be a good plus if onions, carrots, peas, corn, cabbage were previously grown on the site allocated for potatoes. 1.5-2 weeks before planting, manure or humus must be added to the soil: this will serve as an additional fertilizer, as a result of which potato sprouts will appear faster. Immediately before planting, it is necessary to loosen the soil well.
Required climatic conditions
This potato variety is intended for a temperate climate, but at the same time it can adapt to any temperature and humidity. Because of this, it can be grown in almost any region.
Disease and pest resistance
At the genetic level, potatoes are highly resistant to many nightshade diseases, including cancer, virus A, leaf curl virus.
Unfortunately, it is not so well resistant to pests. The causes of tuber death can be the Colorado potato beetle, wireworm, and bear. To get rid of them, processing with specialized means is required. The wireworm is found in poorly cultivated areas of the land, so it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the soil.
Potatoes are a popular vegetable crop that many gardeners planted on their site. But growing a bountiful harvest of tasty and large tubers is unlikely to succeed if the beds are not properly protected from the most common diseases and pests. Often, the development of diseases of various etiologies of potatoes goes unnoticed, so it is important to identify the problem in time and eliminate it.
Review overview
Since the Zekura variety is popular, there are many reviews on the web from experienced and just beginning gardeners. In general, they are positive. Buyers note the excellent taste, good storage, quick ripening times and a high yield.