How Long Do Red LaSoda Potatoes Keep?

Deep root systems characterize Red LaSoda potatoes.

The Red LaSoda potato (solanum tuberosum) has a history dating back to 1952, when the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station first released the tuber. A medium vine and lavender flowers characterize the Red LaSoda, as well as a large root system.

Characteristics

The Red LaSoda falls into the annual and biennial vegetable plant category, and is marked by spreading, medium leaves, red flowers and a high tolerance for environmental pollutants and slope of terrain.

Pest Management

The Red Lasoda finds itself the target of many pests, such as aphids, caterpillars and flea beetles, as well as plant-based diseases such as stem rot and Phytophthora. Protection and control measures include the removal of affected plants, the use of sterilized water to curb the introduction of water-borne diseases and the planting of certain weeds that stifle insect invasion.

Storage and Shelf Life

Like most potatoes, the Red LaSoda should be stored in a dark, well-ventilated area kept at around 45 to 50 degrees (storing vegetables with high starch contents, such as potatoes, in an environment colder than 40 degrees prompts a conversion of starch to sugar). Red LaSodas stored in commercial, climate-controlled warehouses have a shelf life of six months. However, shelf life shrinks considerably to three to four weeks when stored in the home.

References

• Colorado Potato: Red LaSoda Guide
• Backyard Gardener: Solanum Tuberosum
• Professor's House: Storing of Potatoes