LA ROUGE

La Rouge is a medium maturing variety that has a high yield potential of tubers that size early. Primary growing areas are in the southeastern U.S. The variety is grown for the fresh market and is generally not stored.

Tubers are medium in size, oblong, flattened and somewhat irregular in shape. Skin is smooth and has a bright red color when harvested with green vines, but color fades as tubers mature. Tubers separate readily from stolons, but there is a tendency toward skinning. Eyes are moderately deep and well distributed. Tuber flesh is medium white to cream. Specific gravity of tubers is low, resulting in good boiling characteristics.

La Rouge has good scab resistance but is susceptible to early and late blights, corky ring spot, and bacterial wilt. The deep eyes and irregular tuber shape are the major limitations. When harvested in southern states the height yield, bright color and good boiling qualities make it popular for markets in the late winter.