Seed Potato Satin King – 7 Tubers

Satin King is a high-yielding seed potato variety, known for its smooth skin and excellent storage qualities. Great for a variety of culinary uses.

Satin King Seed Potatoes

Satin King is a high-yielding seed potato variety prized for its smooth skin, white flesh, excellent taste, good storage potential, and strong disease resistance. It is a popular choice across South Africa due to its adaptability to a wide range of climates and soil types.

1. Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate:
Satin King performs best in cool to moderate temperatures (15–25°C). It is suitable for potato-growing regions such as the Western Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. Avoid planting during extreme summer heat or frost-prone periods.

Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-drained sandy-loam or loamy soils rich in organic matter

• Optimal soil pH: 5.0–6.0 (slightly acidic)

• Avoid heavy clay or compacted soils, which hinder drainage and increase the risk of tuber rot

2. Planting Guidelines

Planting Time:

• Autumn (March–May): For winter harvesting

• Late Winter to Early Spring (July–September): For summer harvesting

Preparing Seed Potatoes:

• Chitting (pre-sprouting): Place seed potatoes in a cool, well-lit area for 2–3 weeks to encourage sprouting

• Cut large seed potatoes into pieces with at least one or two eyes each, then allow them to dry for 24 hours before planting

Depth & Spacing:

• Plant 10–15 cm deep

• Space 30–40 cm apart in rows spaced 75 cm apart

• Hill soil around the base of growing plants to protect tubers from light and encourage larger yields

3. Watering & Maintenance

Watering:

• Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season

• Reduce watering when foliage begins to yellow and die back (indicating maturity)

Fertilizing:

• At planting: Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure

• During growth: Apply a balanced (10-10-10 NPK) or potassium-rich fertilizer

• Avoid high nitrogen levels, which promote foliage at the expense of tubers

Mulching:
Apply organic mulch (e.g., straw or dry grass) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pest & Disease Management:

• Common pests: Aphids, cutworms, Colorado potato beetles

• Prevention: Use crop rotation and provide proper plant spacing to reduce risks of late blight, early blight, and powdery mildew

• Organic insecticides and good airflow help keep pests and diseases under control

4. Harvesting & Storage

Harvest Time:

• 90–120 days after planting (approximately 3–4 months)

• Begin harvesting once plants start to yellow and die back

Storage Tips:

• Cure freshly harvested potatoes in a cool, dark place for several days

• Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent sprouting

5. Crop Rotation & Companion Planting

• Crop rotation: Alternate with legumes, maize, or leafy greens to prevent nutrient depletion and disease buildup

• Companion plants: Marigolds (natural pest deterrent), beans, and peas

• Avoid planting near: Tomatoes, due to shared susceptibility to pests and diseases

Conclusion
Satin King is a dependable, high-performance potato variety well-suited to South African growing conditions. With the right care and planting practices, you can enjoy a robust harvest of smooth, white-fleshed potatoes ideal for a variety of dishes.