red rose potato seeds Lily Rose Seed Potato

red rose potato seeds Lily Rose Seed PotatoSeed Potato Lily Rose Solanum tuberosum (NOT to WA, TAS & Kangaroo Island) Determinate variety Important: Seed potatoes are live tubers, not dry seed. They may arrive dormant, break dormancy, and sprout lightly or actively, depending on variety and seasonal timing. Please read our Seed Potato Growing and Storage Guide before ordering, especially if you live in a cooler region and need to hold tubers before planting. If you require completely dormant

Seed Potato - Lily Rose

Solanum tuberosum (NOT to WA, TAS & Kangaroo Island)
Determinate variety

Important: Seed potatoes are live tubers, not dry seed. They may arrive dormant, break dormancy, and sprout lightly or actively, depending on variety and seasonal timing. Please read our Seed Potato Growing and Storage Guide before ordering, especially if you live in a cooler region and need to hold tubers before planting. If you require completely dormant seed potatoes for long-term storage, please contact us before ordering. Read more

Lily Rose Seed Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a striking Dutch variety that brings bold colour to both the garden and the kitchen. Bred by Van Rijn in the Netherlands from a cross between Cecile and IVP 4X-038-1, this mid season potato produces medium sized oval tubers with smooth red skin and vivid red flesh. The shallow eyes and attractive presentation make Lily Rose a standout among coloured potato varieties. With firm, waxy flesh and a sweet, subtly nutty flavour, this variety is equally at home in a warm potato salad as it is pan-fried alongside a Sunday roast.

In the Kitchen

Lily Rose holds its shape beautifully when cooked, making it a top choice for boiling, steaming, and salads where you want each piece to stay intact. The creamy, waxy texture lends itself to dauphinoise, gratins, and potato bakes. The red flesh retains much of its colour through cooking, adding visual interest to any plate. Lily Rose also performs well as homemade chips or wedges, and its excellent storage characteristics mean you can enjoy quality tubers from the pantry for months after harvest.

How to Grow

Choose a sunny position that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Lily Rose performs best in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Before planting, chit tubers by spreading them in a cool, bright, frost-free spot for two to three weeks until short green or purple sprouts of about one centimetre develop.

Planting Guide

Plant certified seed tubers 10 to 15 cm deep with the sprouted eyes facing upward. Space tubers 30 to 35 cm apart within the row, with 50 to 70 cm between rows. As the foliage reaches about 10 to 15 cm above the soil surface, mound soil or mulch around the stems to cover developing tubers and prevent them from turning green. Repeat mounding once or twice more as the plants continue to grow.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly once flowers appear and tubers begin to form. A deep soak once or twice a week is preferable to frequent light watering. Inconsistent moisture can lead to hollow heart or cracking. Avoid waterlogging, as overly wet conditions increase the risk of rot. As the foliage begins to yellow and die back, reduce watering to allow the skins to firm up before harvest.

Harvest

Lily Rose is typically ready for harvest approximately 13 to 15 weeks after planting. When the foliage has died back completely, use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers. Allow harvested potatoes to dry in a shaded area for a few hours before storing. With excellent dormancy, cured tubers will keep well for several months in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.

Australian Climate Guide

Cool and Alpine: Plant from September to November once the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. Harvest from December through to March. Protect early plantings with straw mulch if late frosts threaten.

Temperate: Plant from August to November for a summer harvest. A second autumn planting in February to March is possible in milder temperate areas. This is the ideal growing zone for Lily Rose, where consistent conditions support steady tuber development.

Subtropical: Plant during the cooler months from March to July to avoid summer heat. Harvest from June to October. Ensure good drainage to prevent tuber rot during humid periods.

Tropical and Arid: Plant during the dry, cooler season from April to June. Provide afternoon shade where possible and ensure consistent irrigation in arid regions. Harvest before temperatures climb above 30 degrees Celsius.

Important Warnings

Green potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound produced when tubers are exposed to sunlight. Do not eat any potato that has turned green. Always store potatoes in a cool, dark location away from direct light. Practice crop rotation by avoiding planting potatoes or other members of the nightshade family in the same spot for at least three to four years to reduce the buildup of soil-borne diseases.