Potato nitrogen groups

Nitrogen requirements of potatoes are determined by the nitrogen group of the variety and the length of its growing season. Find out what the requirements are and how to assign the groups. 

Read research reports on determinacy and N management in potatoes

Identifying the varieties nitrogen group

Nitrogen recommendations split potato varieties into one of four groups according to their degree of determinacy (a measure of the crop’s capacity to maintain leaf production after the first appearance of flowers). AHDB research at NIAB-CUF has consistently shown that for a given length of growing season, indeterminate varieties (groups 3 and 4) require less nitrogen than determinate varieties (groups 1 and 2).  

The table below lists potato varieties by nitrogen group. It includes the ratings for those varieties included in previous editions of this guide while others are assigned to a group based on the new in-field method developed by AHDB.  

In addition, factors such as total nutrient balance, water availability and seed management will also influence foliage longevity. The list is provided as an indication of determinacy groups, but you are advised to seek the latest information from your agronomist or seed supplier for any particular variety.

Variety determinacy groups 

Group 1 – Short haulm longevity 

Group 2 – Medium haulm longevity 

Group 3 – Long haulm longevity 

Group 4 – Very long haulm longevity 

Determinate varieties 

Partially determinate varieties 

Indeterminate varieties 

Accord 

Atlantic 

Agria 

Asterix 

Annabelle 

Amanda 

Ambo 

Brooke 

Anya 

Arcade 

Amora 

Cara 

Colmo 

Carlingford 

Arsenal 

Electra* 

Estima 

Charlotte 

Cabaret 

Lady Balfour 

Innovator 

Courage 

Caesar 

Markies 

Maris Bard 

Dundrod 

Cosmos 

Royal 

Minerva 

Endeavour 

Cultra 

Vales Everest 

Premiere 

Harmony 

Daisy 

Vales Sovereign 

Rocket 

Juliette 

Desiree 

 

Vales Emerald 

Kestrel 

Eos 

 

Winston 

Lady Claire 

Fambo 

 

 

Lady Rosetta 

Fianna 

 

 

Marfona 

Hermes 

 

 

Maris Peer 

Jelly 

 

 

Maritiema 

Kerr's Pink 

 

 

Melody 

King Edward 

 

 

Miranda 

Lady Christl 

 

 

Mozart 

Lady Valora 

 

 

Nadine 

Maris Piper 

 

 

Nectar 

Morene 

 

 

Nicola 

Navan 

 

 

Orchestra 

Pentland Dell 

 

 

Orla 

Pentland Squire 

 

 

Osprey 

Picasso 

 

 

Pentland Javelin 

Record 

 

 

Rembrandt 

Rooster 

 

 

Romano 

Russet Burbank 

 

 

Saxon 

Sante 

 

 

Shannon 

Sassy 

 

 

Shepody 

Saturna 

 

 

Vivaldi 

Shelford 

 

 

VR808 

Slaney 

 

 

Wilja 

Stemster 

 

 

 

Valor 

 

 

 

Victoria 

 

 Information provided by NIAB-CUF and AHDB 

*At the high end of recommendations 

Bold – added 2021 

In-field method for assigning nitrogen group (determinacy) in potatoes

This practical method of counting potato leaves allows you to identify the nitrogen group quickly and easily. 

Learn more about the in-field method

Useful links

Nutrient management for potatoes

Nutrient management Guide (RB209)

Soil management

Sectors:

×