A stunning variety of Lileya potatoes with even, smooth tubers and excellent taste

Potatoes from Belarus are deservedly considered one of the best in the world. A common and proven variety of Belarusian potatoes is Lileya. Potatoes with a gentle name are distinguished by their excellent taste, excellent yield and large size.

We will tell you in detail about its characteristics and the intricacies of cultivation.

Description of the plant variety

Like any other variety, Liley has certain distinctive features. Let's consider the composition, origin and characteristics of the culture.

Origin and development

This is an early table potato variety. Originally called Liley Belorusskaya, it then spread to four regions of Russia, and in 2008 the official name was shortened to simply Liley. Distributed in the Northern, Northwestern, and Central districts of the Russian Federation.

Chemical composition

The composition of this variety is not much different from others. Its peculiarity is its high sterol content.

The composition also contains:

• amino acids;
• carotene;
• organic acids;
• starch (about 15% in one root vegetable).

Lily is rich in vitamins A and B, so it is perfect for anyone who follows a healthy diet.

Characteristics and appearance

The appearance of the plant is typical - a bush of medium height, moderately spreading. The stem itself is straight with a lot of green mass. The leaves are medium-sized, green with a slight wavy edge. The corolla flowers are quite large and light.

Nests are formed by 8 to 15 tubers, which have an oval or round shape, each weighing about 200 g. Lily tubers are approximately the same, small ones are rare. The potato skin is yellow, dense and smooth. The pulp is light yellow, does not darken when cut or cooking. The eyes are small, few and shallow.

The marketable yield is high - from 250 to 400 c/ha.

What regions is it suitable for?

The variety is cultivated in all regions of the Russian Federation. The crop shows excellent productivity not only in the south, but also, for example, in the Vologda region: with proper agricultural technology, indicators reach 650 c/ha.

The variety is also suitable for northern regions. It takes root well in the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, although it does not give such indicators as in the southern regions.

What is the difference from other varieties

Lily differs from other varieties in many ways:

• increased resistance to unfavorable climate;
• larger tubers;
• neat in appearance, without defects;
• undemanding to different types of soil;
• gives a good harvest not only in the first years of cultivation, but also in subsequent years;
• bred specifically for cooking.

These advantages distinguish Liley from other varieties.

Lilly and Lileya

There is a potato variety similar in name to Liley. Lilly is a mid-early variety that belongs to the table variety. Its yield is also high, but it was bred relatively recently, so it has not yet become as widespread as Liley.

Moreover, it differs in external features. Lilly tubers have an oval shape, medium or small size, and many eyes. Taste qualities are characterized as average. It is more common in the northern parts of Russia, resistant to various diseases and frost-resistant.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Liley variety is a universally recognized “favorite”. It is no coincidence that it has become so widespread and is in demand among summer residents.

Experts consider the following features to be advantages:

• high productivity;
• resistance to various weather conditions;
• versatility of tubers;
• good external data;
• high taste and product indicators.

It has practically no disadvantages, with the exception of vulnerability to pests and diseases. However, these disadvantages are also inherent in other potato varieties. But with proper care, the risks of infection and pest attacks are reduced to a minimum.

Features of planting and growing varieties

Even a novice gardener can grow this unpretentious variety. However, it is important to know the basic rules of agricultural technology and focus on weather conditions. Let us examine in detail the features of potato cultivation.

Preparing for landing

To begin with, choose the right seed material. You will need small, evenly shaped specimens without damage or dark spots. It is not necessary to treat tubers with chemical disinfectants, but growth stimulants (for example, Epin, Bioglobin and other safe products) will not hurt.

About a month before planting, potatoes are germinated in a well-lit place. At this point, the tubers are slightly moistened by spraying plain water on both sides. When the sprouts reach 1.5 cm in length, the potatoes can be planted in open ground.

Dates, scheme and rules of planting

There is a certain scheme landings, compliance with which guarantees the formation of larger and more numerous tubers.

Potatoes are planted in the ground when the soil is warm enough. It is important to take measurements: at a depth of 8 cm, the soil should be heated to +10°C.

Planting pattern - 60 by 30 cm: do not allow the bushes to grow too close, shading each other. Some gardeners use a 80 cm per row pattern in order to increase the yield.

When planting, the holes should be about 10 cm deep; it is advisable to plant large tubers deeper, and small ones closer to the surface. In dense soil, a depth of 5-6 cm is sufficient.

Features of cultivation

With fertilizing, the yield of the variety will be 20-40% higher. The best option is a mineral complex that contains the entire set of necessary elements. Sometimes nitrogen fertilizers are used to accelerate the growth of tops. However, excess fertilizer will not be beneficial - 2-3 fertilizing is enough for potatoes during the season.

Important. Monitor weather conditions. If the season is rainy, there is no need to water the tops, otherwise the tubers will rot.

Nuances of care

In addition to watering, you need to weed and hill up the beds in a timely manner. They are treated three times a season, carefully removing weeds. It is advisable to mulch with cut grass or even straw. During this period, fertilizing is also recommended, for example, mineral fertilizers based on potassium and magnesium, mixed with bird droppings.

Farmers know that there will be fewer weeds if they periodically loosen the soil using a simple rake or harrow. Loosen diagonally so as not to damage the tubers. This method allows not only to remove excess grass, but also to improve the “respiratory system” of the soil, retaining the required amount of moisture in it.

Watering mode

Excess moisture can lead to stunted growth. Watering depends on weather conditions. During drought, water 1-2 times a week. When flowers form, the amount of water is increased.

Watering time is either early morning before the bright sun appears or late evening.

Top dressing

The plant is fed twice after planting. The bushes are sprayed with superphosphates, and growth stimulants are also used three times during the growth period. The first time is fertilized during the formation of leaves, the second time during the appearance of buds, the third time when tubers are forming.

Disease and pest control

Colorado beetles equally harmful to any variety. Insects are collected by hand; for prevention, the plantings are sprayed with onion peel tincture.

In addition to the Colorado potato beetle, wireworms attack potatoes. To destroy the pest, insecticides are used and the beds are regularly loosened and hilled.

Among diseases late blight is known; this disease affects potatoes during rainy periods. To avoid disease, the bushes are sprayed with Fitosporin. If the bushes are already sick, they are sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate (10 liters of water and 2 g of sulfate) for 10 days.

Harvest and storage

To prevent potatoes from spoiling, they must be collected and stored correctly, following simple rules.

How and when to collect

You can try the tubers for the first time in July. But this is only a small part; the main collection period is August. Choose a dry day. Make a fence on the site that will create shade and at the same time be ventilated from all sides. This is where you need to put the dug up potatoes. Three weeks after harvest, sort the potatoes.

Storage Features

Store potatoes in a dry, cool place with a temperature of +2 to +5°C. The best container is a mesh or box. The keeping quality of the variety is 90% and above.

What difficulties may there be when growing

Lily is one of the easiest varieties to grow. But there are also difficulties, mainly related to improper care.

This variety needs proper and regular watering and protection from pests.Wireworms and the Colorado potato beetle can spoil the harvest, so do not forget about hilling, preventive spraying and collecting insects.

Advice from experienced gardeners and reviews about the Lileya variety

Let's give some advice from farmers with experience in growing the Belarusian variety:

• Lily loves to be watered. If nature is favorable, then the potatoes will grow on their own, no additional feeding is needed.
• Perform foliar application twice a month feeding. Spray the bushes with a superphosphate solution.
• It is better to use nets rather than bags or boxes for storage.

You can find many different reviews about the Liley variety.

Tamara, Krasnodar: «I decided to try a new Liley variety. I planted it without any problems, in our south it grows well. The taste was excellent, the potatoes themselves were dense and large. Goes well in soups, purees and for French fries.”

Igor, Novosibirsk region: “I’ve heard a lot of praise about Belarusian potatoes. It turned out that it was not in vain. Lileya potatoes are smooth, without foulbrood. It grows well, is almost not susceptible to diseases and pests, but requires constant care. Overall I’m happy, now I only plant this variety.”

Conclusion

The Lileya variety is a real achievement of Belarusian selection. It grows successfully in different climatic conditions, is unpretentious and produces a rich harvest. Due to its excellent taste, it is widely used in cooking and the food industry.