Gala potato facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gala |
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| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum tuberosum |
| Cultivar | Gala |
The Gala potato is a popular type of potato that ripens early. It has a firm texture, which means it stays nice and solid when you cook it. People say it tastes great and can be stored for a long time. This potato was created by a plant breeder named Norika in Groß Lüsewitz, Germany.
In 2010, the Gala potato was even voted "Potato of the Year" in Thuringia, Germany! Nearly 1,000 people voted in this public contest. Another potato called Laura came in second place.
What Makes Gala Potatoes Special?
Gala potatoes are usually oval-shaped. They have "shallow eyes," which are the small dents where new sprouts grow. This makes them easy to peel, especially with machines.
Each Gala potato plant can grow many potatoes, so it's a good producer. However, these plants need a lot of water to grow well. When you cook Gala potatoes, they hardly change color at all. They have a bright yellow skin and a medium yellow inside. Gala potatoes can also be stored for a very long time before they start to sprout. They are usually sold fresh in stores.
Strong and Healthy: Gala's Resistances
The Gala potato is a very strong variety. It can handle hot weather and dry conditions well. It is also resistant to tiny worm-like pests called potato cyst nematodes. These pests can harm potato plants. Gala potatoes are also resistant to specific types of these nematodes (Pallida types 2 and 3).
This potato variety also has good resistance to diseases that affect the leaves and the soil. It can also resist common potato diseases like scab and blackleg.
How to Grow Gala Potatoes
When planting Gala potatoes, you can use "chitted" seed potatoes. Chitting means letting the seed potatoes sprout a little before planting them. You can plant them about 2 centimeters deeper than other potatoes. This is because Gala plants grow in a compact way and are easy to dig up later.
Gala potatoes can grow well in lighter soils. This helps them get the water and nutrients they need. It is a good idea to treat the seed potatoes to protect them from a fungus called Rhizoctonia.
