Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners

Reviewed on 10/30/2012 by skiman - An experienced gardener
Overall Taste Yield Ease	Franklin, New York, United States Frost Free Season: 103 - 123 days Soil Texture: Loam Garden Size: Large - More than 1,600 square feet (40' x 40') Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day
Peter Wilcox, simply stated, is one of the best tasting potatoes around. We thought Adirondack Red was the best tasting potato until we discovered Peter Wilcox. Its breeder Kathleen Haynes (USDA ARS Beltsville, MD) bred the Peter Wilcox specifically for its flavor and its health related attributes. Peter Wilcox contains high levels of Vitamin C, potassium and several powerful antioxidants, e.g. various carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin which are known to promote eye health, especially macular degeneration and perhaps cataract formation. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Peter Wilcox has a bright yellow flesh, much yellower than Yukon Gold or many of the other yellow-fleshed varieties. We have been growing Peter Wilcox since 2008 and we find that it is relatively drought-tolerant, it yields about the same as Norland Dark Red, especially if one spaces the seed at 10 to 12 inches apart. We have found that it does have a very delicate, thin skin. Skin set will take a full three weeks after the vines die. If one achieves good skin set, Peter Wilcox is a good keeper. All that aside, the best things about Peter Wilcox are that it tastes good and it is healthful. Please note that one will find Peter Wilcox potatoes being sold under various synonyms such as Purple Sun, Blue Gold, and perhaps others.