Medium-early, unpretentious potato variety "Red Fantasy" with bright oval tubers

The history of the origin of the Red Fantasy potato variety

"Red Fantasy" is a fairly new potato variety, included in the State Register of Russia in 2011.

Bred in Holland.

The table shows data on the growing season of different potato varieties:

Description

"Red Fantasy" is a mid-early table variety.
Inscribed in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2011. Recommended for cultivation in the Central and Volga-Vyatka region. Potatoes reach full maturity 100-110 days after planting. Erect, tall bushes are covered with light green leaves with pronounced veins. Small corollas consist of pink-violet flowers. The roots are strong and well developed. Up to 12 large tubers are formed under each bush. The root crops are as chosen - even, neat, of the same color and size.

Description of the variety

The Red Fantasy potato variety is characterized by the presence of the following features:

• Potato tubers are large, elongated;
• The weight of one fruit is from 100 to 120 g;
• The peel is thin, red in color;

ATTENTION : Suitable for both industrial cultivation and cultivation for self-consumption.

• The pulp is yellowish, dense;
• The amount of starch is average, but there are quite a lot of elements such as carotene and amino acids;
• Harvesting can be done already 100 days after planting;
• There are about 10-12 approximately identical tubers on the bush.

Storage features and shelf life of the Fantasy variety

Tubers damaged during harvest should not be stored with other potatoes.

Firstly, the shelf life of damaged tubers is significantly different, and secondly, they can be carriers of various diseases, including fungal ones.

The harvest is stored in a dark, cool room, in a well-ventilated container, for example, in wooden boxes.

The harvest is stored in a well-ventilated container

Advantages and disadvantages

The Red Fantasy potato variety is characterized by the following advantages:

• Fast ripening;
• High yield level (from 380 to 550 centners per hectare);
• Low maintenance requirements;
• Disease resistance;
• Long storage without loss of quality;
• Excellent taste;
• Ideal presentation;
• Suitable for making baby food.

Popular potato varieties:

With high-quality care of the variety, no obvious shortcomings are noted.

Advantages of the variety

The popularity of the variety is due to the presence of undeniable advantages. By choosing Red Fantasy, you get potatoes that:

• resistant to mechanical damage;
• tolerates long-term transportation well;
• can be stored for a long time without loss of original qualities;
• ripens quickly;
• does not darken during cooking;
• has a wonderful appearance and no less wonderful taste;
• ideal for preparing children's dishes;
• not affected by potato canker, blackleg, tobacco mosaic, nematode, leaf curl virus;
• characterized by high productivity (380-550 centners per hectare);
• easy to care for.

This variety is good for growing on an industrial scale and is one of the best for sale.

The Red Fantasy variety is a potato with unique characteristics. Its creators really did their best, and it is almost impossible to highlight any shortcomings in the variety. But it has quite a lot of advantages, all of them significant:

• large, uniform in size, neat tubers of excellent presentation;
• excellent shelf life and transportability - appearance and taste under proper conditions are preserved for a very long time;
• rich and memorable taste;
• bright color of the pulp, which persists even after cooking;
• resistance to the main potato diseases: common scab, canker, late blight, black leg, leaf curl virus, ring and wet rot;
• versatility in use;
• low maintenance requirements.

Although the long description allows you to get some idea about the characteristics of the variety, it is better to make up your mind and at least once try to grow Red Fantasy potatoes on your own plot. Most gardeners and farmers (from beginners to large entrepreneurs) agree that this variety has become one of the most successful of its kind. High yields and unpretentious conditions make its cultivation not only easy, but also quite profitable.

Peculiarities

"Red Fantasy" is a medium-late potato variety, so germination is not a prerequisite. Due to the fact that the seed material practically does not degenerate, it is collected in our own fields.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with potato varieties that have different ripening periods:

Features of agricultural technology

You need to start planting Fantasia potatoes at the right time: when the earth has already warmed up enough, but still retains the remnants of winter moisture. In each region, this period occurs at a different time and depends on climatic conditions in general and the weather patterns in each current year.

Although this variety prefers moist soil, excess in this matter is unacceptable. You should not choose for planting places with close groundwater or in lowlands where melt water accumulates in the spring. Before planting, the soil must be prepared: dig up and loosen to the depth of a spade, remove the roots of perennial plants.

Before you buy planting material, you need to make sure that it is of good quality and matches the variety. The best representatives are selected for further cultivation - potatoes with a smooth, neat surface, healthy and large. Small tubers will also germinate, but the yield will be much smaller. To be sure of the varietal identity of the purchased tubers, it is better to make purchases from trusted sellers or in specialized establishments.

A few weeks before planting, prepared tubers can be germinated. But, since the variety is mid-season, this procedure is not mandatory for it. Preparation consists of treating the planting material, which will protect the plant from pests and diseases.

Since this variety differs from its relatives in its rather large growth and bushiness, planting material should be planted in holes at a distance of at least 30-40 cm. It is also worth taking care of wide row spacing - this will facilitate further care of the plantings and allow the bushes to grow freely without interfering with each other. to a friend.

Growing the Red Fantasy variety

A sufficient depth for embedding tubers in the soil is 10-12 cm. It is recommended to lay humus or wood ash at the bottom of the holes, which will provide the plants with optimal nutrition. After planting, the rows are mulched with straw.

Experienced farmers note that this variety of potato gives a higher yield when drip irrigation is organized, which allows maintaining optimal and constant moisture in the plantings.

Further care for potatoes is universal:

• Feeding;
• Hilling;
• Regular loosening;
• Watering;
• Collection of Colorado beetles.

It is recommended to fertilize up to 2-3 times per season, alternating mineral and organic fertilizers. At the same time, for the Red Fantasy variety, it is recommended to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizers by 10%, compared to other potato varieties - when they are used, the bushes actively increase green mass to the detriment of the formation of tubers.

The first fertilizing is done with nitrogen fertilizers so that the bushes grow faster. The optimal time is two weeks after disembarkation. The second time the potatoes are fertilized with a complex mineral product. Its composition should be dominated by potassium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the active formation of tubers. The procedure is carried out during the flowering period of the bushes and the laying of the future harvest.

It is necessary to hill up the plantings only until the first buds appear, until the tubers begin to form. This procedure allows you to protect the seedlings from return frosts or Colorado beetles overwintering in the soil, and in addition, it additionally loosens the soil, giving the roots access to fresh air. This allows you to accelerate the growth of green mass and increase the yield of the bush. It is also recommended to loosen the soil after each watering and rain, while removing overgrown weeds.

You can start digging up the first tubers as early as mid-July, but the main harvest occurs from late August to early September. It is recommended to time cleaning to coincide with dry, sunny weather. They dig up the potatoes in the morning and let them dry right in the beds until the evening. Then the collected tubers are removed to a shady, well-ventilated place, where it will be stored for the next two weeks. The remaining tops should be burned immediately, as beetles, pest larvae, harmful microorganisms, and pathogens may remain on them.

During this time, it is necessary to check the potatoes several times and discard all suspicious specimens - even one spoiled potato can ruin the entire crop during storage. After two weeks, the potatoes are transferred to ventilated containers - boxes or containers. To protect against mold, it is sprinkled with ash. It is better to store the harvested crop in a cellar or basement.

Harvesting

Care

During the season, three fertilizings with fertilizers are required, preferably not nitrogenous, otherwise the plant's growth will be directed towards the tops, and the tubers will be small. It is better to use mineral complexes, alternating with organic matter. Potatoes need elements such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

During the entire growth period, potatoes need to be fed three times:

• The first fertilizing is carried out using nitrogen fertilizers and is carried out 14 days after planting the root crops. It is performed to increase the growth of green mass of the plant. It should be noted that for this potato variety it is preferable to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizers by 10%;
• The second feeding is carried out to increase the weight of the tubers. In this case, a number of mineral fertilizers are used. Potassium, magnesium and phosphorus are mainly used;
• The third feeding is carried out 21 days before harvest and is necessary to enrich the plant with nutritional components. It is carried out by applying manure, using an aqueous solution of mullein or bird droppings.

Features of cultivation

Agricultural technology is standard. The variety tolerates weather fluctuations calmly, but is sensitive to soil temperature . Tubers should be planted when the soil warms up but retains the required amount of moisture. The distance between bushes should be at least 30 cm; wide row spacing is required to make caring for plants easier. Root crops are sown shallowly, at 10-12 cm.

Red Fantasy seed potatoes must be prepared for planting. First, the tubers are pickled, and humus or wood ash is laid out in the holes. Drip irrigation is recommended to ensure optimal soil moisture. The row spacing can be mulched with mowed grass or straw.

Seed material is collected in our own fields and is practically not subject to degeneration . Promising bushes are marked in advance with tapes or stickers. Seed material should not be collected from diseased or pest-affected bushes.

During the season, 2-3 feedings are carried out. It is better to alternate mineral complexes with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and organic matter (diluted mullein or bird droppings). Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are not recommended; they cause the bushes to increase leaf mass to the detriment of the tubers.

Read more about what to feed potatoes, when and how to apply fertilizers, and how to do it correctly when planting in the articles on our website.

Also, when growing potatoes, additional spraying and treatments are often used. On our website you will find detailed materials about the use of fungicides and herbicides.

There are many ways to grow potatoes. We have prepared a series of useful materials about Dutch technologies, about growing under straw, in boxes, in bags and barrels, as well as early varieties.

Diseases and pests

IMPORTANT : This is carried out only before the appearance of buds on the seedlings, since then the active formation of tubers occurs.

The variety is quite resistant to many dangerous diseases:

• The causative agent of potato cancer;
• Golden potato cyst nematode;
• Common scab;
• Black leg.

Resistant to wrinkled and striped mosaic, leaf curl virus. Due to its early ripening, the variety is less susceptible to late blight.

Before planting potatoes, preplanting treatment of tubers and soil is recommended. At the peak of late blight, a single spraying with copper-containing preparations is carried out.

Features of planting and growing

Red Fantasy potatoes can withstand short-term drops in air temperature during the growing season, but are sensitive to low soil temperatures. To achieve high yields, a drip irrigation system is installed on the site, and the bushes are fed with organic matter and minerals.

Tuber preparation

14-20 days before the intended planting, the tubers are brought out into the light and re-sorted, leaving only healthy material. Seeds are soaked in a disinfectant solution with potassium permanganate or copper sulfate:

• 5 g copper sulfate;
• 1 g potassium permanganate;
• 40 g urea;
• 10 g boric acid;
• 60 superphosphate.

Pour hot water at 80°C over the components, stir thoroughly and cool. The tubers are dipped into the resulting mixture and left for 20 minutes. Then they are laid out on the floor to dry.

The optimal germination temperature is +14°C.

Immediately before planting, the material is treated with growth stimulants - “Epin” or “Zircon”.

Soil requirements

Potatoes grow on loose and nutritious soil - chernozem, loam - with neutral acidity (pH 5.2-5.7). Proper soil preparation is the key to successful crop cultivation. To determine pH, use litmus strips or a device with a long probe. Acidic soil is deoxidized by adding dolomite flour, chalk, ash, and slaked lime. Manure, compost, sawdust and pine needles will help increase the acidity of alkaline soil.

To enrich the poor soil, the area is sown with green manure. Lupine, oats, rye, wheat, peas, and beans are best suited. Mown and rotted greens serve as an excellent fertilizer, saturate the soil with nitrogen and loosen it.

Dates, scheme and rules of planting

Potatoes are planted in mid-April - early May, depending on the region and weather conditions. The soil temperature should be +8...+10°C, air temperature - +16...+18°C.

Taking into account the tallness and spreading nature of the bushes, the tubers are planted at intervals of 30-40 cm to a depth of 10 cm. The row spacing is 50-60 cm.

A handful of superphosphate and wood ash are added to each hole. The seeds are planted with the sprouts facing up. The holes are filled with soil, but not compacted.

The area is mulched with hay, straw, and sawdust to prevent weed growth and moisture retention in the soil.

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Nuances of care

The Red Fantasy variety does not require strict adherence to the watering regime. The plant is content with precipitation, and during periods of prolonged drought, the bushes are watered manually - 2-3 times every 10 days. In large planting areas, drip irrigation is installed to regulate humidity levels.

It is impossible to do without loosening the top layer of soil and weeding. Shallow loosening prevents the formation of a hard crust on the soil surface and promotes the penetration of oxygen to the root system. Weeds are removed as they grow.

Hilling is carried out in two stages:

• the first (3-4 cm) - after the sprouts appear to protect the potatoes from frost and the Colorado potato beetle;
• the second (16-20 cm) - after 3-4 weeks, during the budding period, to create favorable conditions for fruit formation.

During the season, potatoes are fed three times:

1. The first portion is applied 14 days after planting, using a minimum amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizers that enhance the growth of green mass. For 10 liters of water take 0.5 liters of mullein and 15 g of urea. The consumption rate per bush is 0.5 l.
2. The second portion - 14-20 days after the first, using mineral fertilizers with potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, manganese for the formation of tubers. For 10 liters of water take 15 g of potassium sulfate, 100 g of wood ash, 15 g of double superphosphate. The consumption rate per bush is 0.5 l.
3. The third portion - organic matter - is added a month before harvest to saturate the plant with useful substances. Take 300 g of horsetail greens per 10 liters of water, boil for 20 minutes, cool and use for spraying bushes. As an additional remedy, Epin-Extra is used (1 ampoule per 5 l). Consumption per bush - 0.5 l.

Features of cultivation

An interesting method of planting in bags is used to grow potatoes. One of its advantages is mobility. Bags can be moved from place to place if necessary. Growing in bags is economical - with minimal use of space, it is possible to harvest a large harvest.

Bags made of dense, breathable fabric, for example, granulated sugar or flour, are suitable for planting. The edges of the bag are tucked in and filled with moist fertile soil with a layer of 20 cm. Sprouted tubers are planted in depressions up to 10 cm and 20 cm of soil is filled.

The bags are placed in a sunny place, near a fence or wall, and dug in. Plants are watered after the top layer of soil has dried, and more is added as they grow.

Advantages of the technology:

• potatoes do not rot and are not infected with late blight;
• there is no need to carry out weeding and loosening.

Minuses:

• the need to add a large volume of compost;
• constant monitoring of soil moisture.

Disease and pest control

The German variety is immune to cancer, golden potato nematode, wrinkled and banded mosaic, and leaf curl virus. According to the originator, it is moderately resistant to late blight of tops and tubers.

Late blight most often appears during periods of prolonged rain. Brown spots of irregular shape and a whitish coating on the reverse side are found on the leaves. After digging, dark spots are visible on the potatoes.

To prevent the disease:

• tubers are treated with disinfecting solutions of potassium permanganate and copper sulfate;
• timely removal of weeds and potato tops;
• control the nitrogen content in the soil;
• fertilize the plantings with potassium and phosphorus;
• do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.

The following drugs are used for treatment: “HOM”, “Oxychom”, “Bravo”, “Ridomil Gold”.

Fungicides will help cope with attacks of the Colorado potato beetle and wireworm: “Aktara”, “Inta-Vir”, “Protection”, “NO Colorado potato beetle!”, “Confidor”, “Prestige”, “Commander”.

Traditional methods against the Colorado potato beetle:

• dusting with birch ash (10 kg of ash per 1 m³);
• mulching beds with fresh pine sawdust;
• spraying with celandine infusion (pour 1.5 kg of herb into 5 liters of boiling water, leave for 3-4 hours and add 1 liter of 1.5% calcium chloride solution);
• treatment with a solution of birch tar (100 ml of tar per 10 liters of water).

To combat wireworms, infusions are used:

• nettle (500 g per 10 liters of water);
• dandelion (200 g per 10 liters of water);
• coltsfoot (200 g per 10 liters of water);
• celandine (100 g per 10 liters of water).

Reviews about the variety

"Red Fantasy" deservedly received many positive reviews. Due to its low starch content, this variety is excellent for baby food. When cooked, it does not become soft, does not darken, and has an excellent taste. Thanks to these qualities, it is actively used both in home cooking and in the preparation of semi-finished products in industrial conditions.

Beautiful large elongated tubers with their originality have gained great success among buyers. And the ease of care when growing has won the respect of ordinary summer residents and gardeners. Especially those who live in the central part of the country.

Ease of care, high yield, and resistance to many diseases make the “Red Fantasy” variety one of the most beloved among many gardeners.

Advice from experienced gardeners and reviews

Reviews of Red Fantasy potatoes are positive. Gardeners fell in love with this variety for its unusual rich skin color and balanced taste.

Valentin, Krasny Yar: “I really like this German variety for its absolutely simple care and high yield. In addition, bushes rarely suffer from late blight, which makes caring for them much easier. I fertilize the potatoes at the same time as watering them. I laid hoses for drip irrigation on the site, and before supplying water I mixed liquid mineral fertilizer. I dissolve 2 tsp in a 10 liter bucket. potassium salt, and add it early in the morning.”

Igor, Saransk: “ I plant Fantasy potatoes when the dandelions bloom. This is a sure sign that the soil has warmed up sufficiently. I rarely close up the tubers, since the bushes grow sprawling. When planting thickly, the tubers will turn out small.”

Veronica, Nizhnekamsk: “ A friend introduced me to this wonderful variety. She and her husband grow potatoes to sell, and Red Fantasy is one of the favorites. Its taste is excellent, it does not fall apart when cooked, and does not crumble when frying. It is stored in the cellar for a long time, does not sprout and does not rot.”

Collection, storage and use of crops

Harvesting rules:

• carry out digging in the morning in sunny and dry weather;
• leave the tubers to dry until evening;
• Peel the potatoes from the soil and put them in a warm, dry place for two weeks;
• sort through the tubers and throw away the rotten ones with signs of infection;
• completely collect tops and weeds from the site;
• after two weeks, place the harvest in boxes made of wood or plastic, mesh, or breathable bags;
• sprinkle the tubers with ash to prevent rotting;
• Place beets or apples on top to absorb excess moisture.

Reference . The optimal temperature for storing crops in the cellar is +3…+4°С

Red Fantasy potatoes have an excellent taste; the flesh does not darken after cooking. It is baked, stewed, boiled, fried. The moderate starch content allows the variety to be used for dietary nutrition.

Read also Bread dough recipe

Reviews

Victoria Ivanovna, Rostov, 32 years old.

At one time I lived in the city, in an apartment, and never encountered a vegetable garden. Three years ago I got married, and my husband has his own house and plot. Grows potatoes, tomatoes, etc. Despite the fact that I am a “city girl,” I like to tinker in the garden and watch our tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. grow. In general, we also plant potatoes. My husband has been cultivating Red Fantasy for several years. What can I say, even I, with my little experience, can grow a good harvest from Fantasy. The tubers are large and even in shape. It is also good in cooking, especially if you cook puree.

Dmitry Nikolaevich, Kharkov, 59 years old.

We mainly grow Gypsy, I like both the taste and appearance. In addition, a small area was allocated for Red Fantasy. Quite a good variety too. The taste is not particularly inferior to Gypsy. Among the shortcomings, I can note that sometimes there are potatoes with moiré red and white flesh. If such tubers are used in puree, it will have a slightly grayish tint.

Larisa Ivanovna, 53 years old, Kyiv.

I liked the variety. It is boiled, but at the same time goes well in soups and for frying. In terms of cultivation, it is also quite unpretentious.

German potato varieties are valued for their high productivity, strong immunity and impeccable presentation. Red Fantasy (Red Fantasy) - fully meets these criteria. The culture is undemanding to watering and is often content with precipitation. Complex mineral compositions and a minimal amount of nitrogen are used as fertilizers.

The article contains detailed information about Red Fantasy potatoes with a description of the variety and photos.

Preparing for planting the Red Fantasy variety

Before planting, it is advisable to treat the tubers against pests.

Before planting, care should be taken to prepare root crops. Each fruit must be doused with poison against pests, and animal humus and a small amount of wood ash must be placed in each hole. Using drip irrigation allows you to fully moisten the root and soil.

Planting material can be taken either from your own garden or purchased. In the first case, you must keep in mind that it is forbidden to take seeds from a diseased or infected bush. Suitable seeds are marked with bright ribbons or sticks.

Reviews from gardeners

The variety is very good. What I like most is that the tubers are large and neat and have good immunity to many diseases. They have high commercial characteristics and are stored for a long time. For me, Red Fantasy is the best potato to sell.

Dmitry K.

What I like most is that the potatoes don’t get overcooked and turn into mush when cooked. Pleasant in color and taste. Easy to clean. The dishes made from it are very tasty.

Olga E.

I love this variety. Potatoes are large, beautiful, tasty. The only thing is, when planting, leave the bushes more free space. Red fantasy produces tall, wide bushes that need space for rapid development.

Zinaida P.

I didn't like the variety. I don't know why everyone is talking about large tuber sizes. One little thing is growing on me. The taste is really good. But for me the most important thing is the mass of potatoes. So Red Fantasy did not pass the “professional aptitude test”.

Zhenya A.

How to properly care for the variety

The Fantasy variety is not too demanding in care and maintenance.
But there are still some features, the observance of which will allow you to grow a more abundant and high-quality harvest. It is not recommended to over-water the soil in which potatoes grow. Excessive moisture in the soil leads to rotting of tubers and the occurrence of fungal diseases. Moreover, this variety has high drought resistance.

Features of watering

During the entire growing season, potatoes need abundant watering no more than 4 times.

• The first watering is carried out a week after planting.
• The second abundant supply of moisture should occur when the height of the tops reaches 10-15 cm.
• The third watering is carried out during the formation of buds.
• Fourth after flowering.

Feeding and fertilizing

When growing potatoes, it is recommended to apply fertilizer no more than 3 times.

The first feeding is carried out with the appearance of the first ground shoots. During this period, 1 glass of humus is added to each bush.

When the period of bud formation begins, the plants are fertilized with ash. And during the flowering period, it is recommended to add superphosphate to the soil.

Hilling and weeding

Hilling and weeding are integral processes in agricultural technology for growing potatoes.

Fantasia needs regular weeding. This will avoid the attack of many diseases and pests. Hilling is carried out about 10 times. It is recommended to spud the fantasy once every 14 days. This will help maintain the shape of the bush and protect the crop from pests.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Red Fantasy potatoes belong to the mid-late line. The growing season before harvesting at the stage of technical ripeness lasts 90–110 days. The tubers are homogeneous, oval of the same shape. The variety is convenient for mechanized care during industrial cultivation. The marketability of the harvest is 90–96%.

The crop has powerful shoots and does not lie down. The length of the stems is 70–75 cm.

Location: erect, growth type: intermediate. Flowering is moderate. The corollas are colored red-violet. Large and medium-sized tubers grow in 1 potato nest (their number is from 10 to 12 pcs.)

Distinctive properties of tubers:

• average weight 92–140 g;
• outside color is red;
• the pulp is rich yellow, oily;
• the internal structure is dense, not watery;
• average starchiness (15–16.3);
• friability is moderate;
• culinary purpose B;
• the eyes are superficial, small, there are few of them;
• the skin is smooth.

The tubers have good taste - 4 points out of 5. Potatoes are used in soups, side dishes, and casseroles. It is good to fry, boil in their uniforms, add to salad appetizers, assorted side dishes.

Red Fantasy potatoes have been included in the State Register since 2011. Created with the participation of German farmers from the company Europlant Pflanzenzucht.

Red Fantasy potatoes are intended for cultivation in various climatic zones:

Harvesting and proper storage

The main potato harvest starts in the last days of August, although root crops can be dug up from the end of July. Experts advise digging up vegetables in dry, warm weather. The tubers must be dug up using a shovel or cultivator in the morning and left in the garden until the evening until they dry out.

Collected root vegetables should be placed in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place, reliably protected from direct sunlight, for two weeks.

At the same time, the bed where the potatoes grew must be thoroughly cleaned of remnants of tops and vegetation, since they can become an excellent source for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Within two weeks, when the potatoes will “stand”, they should be sorted out, all damaged, rotten or with signs of disease tubers should be discarded.

After the specified time, the potatoes should be transferred to separate, ventilated containers - plastic or wooden boxes and placed in a dry, dark, cool place, for example, a basement or cellar. To protect the tubers from mold damage, they can be sprinkled with wood ash.

Red Fantasy potatoes will be an excellent option for beginning vegetable growers and for those who have absolutely no experience in growing vegetable crops. It is not capricious in care, does not make high demands on weather conditions, and has many advantages, among which are the high taste and commercial qualities of the fruit, as well as their ability to be stored until spring.