Orozco Seed Potatoes

Orozco Potatoes are the first release from the Metchosin Farm potato breeding program; featuring a unique combination of beauty, flavour, and cultural tribute. The plum-coloured skin contrasts beautifully with the golden banana-yellow flesh, creating an eye-catching addition to your kitchen.

These potatoes are ideal for boiling, offering a rich, buttery flavour that elevates any dish. The tubers grow in pairs, a rare and fascinating characteristic that sets this variety apart. Named in honour of Jessica Orozco, a Hualapai Tribe ethnobotanist and champion of traditional foods, this variety embodies her legacy of preserving cultural heritage.

Companion plants like beans, corn, and marigolds grow well with Orozco Potatoes, enriching the soil and deterring pests.

Where Can You Grow Orozco Potatoes

This variety thrives in well-draining soil with full sun and is suitable for Zones 4-9. It performs well in traditional garden beds, raised beds, and containers, making it versatile for a variety of gardening setups.

History and Historical Uses

Orozco Potatoes were named in honour of Jessica Orozco, who works as an ethnobotanist with the Hualapai Tribe inspiring the preservation of traditional foods. Released by Metchosin Farm, this variety represents a blend of innovation and respect for heritage, combining beauty, flavour, and cultural significance.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Plant seed potatoes in early spring for a summer harvest.
• Zones 5-7: Plant in mid-spring after the ground has warmed, harvesting in late summer or early autumn.
• Zone 4: Start planting as soon as the soil is workable in spring and harvest before the first frost.

How to Grow Orozco Potatoes

1. Prepare the Soil: Ensure well-drained, fertile soil. Add compost or organic matter before planting.
2. Planting: Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one eye per piece. Plant 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and 30-45cm (12-18in) apart in rows. Space rows 60cm (24in) apart.
3. Hilling: Mound soil around stems as the plants grow to protect tubers and encourage yields.
4. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Harvesting: Harvest when the foliage dies back or earlier for smaller, new potatoes.

How to Save Potato Seed Fruit

Potato seed fruit, or potato berries, can be saved to grow new plants. Follow these steps:

1. Harvest the Berries: Allow potato plants to produce and ripen their small green or purple seed fruit. Harvest when the berries are soft and fully mature.
2. Extract the Seeds: Slice the berries open and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding gel.
3. Fermentation: Place the seeds and gel in a jar with a small amount of water. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for 2-3 days, stirring daily to break up the gel.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the seeds thoroughly, removing any remaining pulp. Spread the seeds on a clean towel or screen to dry completely.
5. Store: Store the dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-5 years.

Note: Growing potatoes from true seed is more complex and often used by breeders to develop new varieties.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)