[Bm1]

Hi all, I would like to choose the best Charlotte seed potatoes for me to grow and save my own potatoes to grow in future years.
My question is…
Is there any difference between all these companies like Jamieson, Taylors, Wilko’s etc
If so, can anyone recommend one please?
I don’t want to invest the time getting off to a bad start 😬

[mumofstig]

You could be

getting off to a bad start

every year after the first year, if you use saved potatoes.
The seed you buy from the seed companies are thoroughly checked for any diseases and viruses before they sell them. All you could do is a visual check, which obviously won't detect all the possible problems.
Personally I don't think it's worth the risk of losing a year's worth of potatoes, not to mention possibly spreading  spores/contamination over more of your plot.

[New shoot]

If you are buying them in a shop, I would go for a garden centre or DIY store where they are stored somewhere sensible i.e. not where it is heated very high.  Wilkos are cheap, but you have to get there as soon as they are in, as they sprout like crazy in the warm shop.

If you want mail order, I’ve just had mine from Mr Fothergills and they are very good indeed.

I’d agree storing year on year is a big gamble and not worth saving the cost of a few seed potatoes.

[Bm1]

Thanks. Is there any difference between all these companies like Jamieson, Taylors, Wilko’s etc ?

[rowlandwells]

we only grow certified Scotch seed I agree strongly with Mum and others we would never grow supermarket or store potatoes for the reasons said in the replies and  we never save any potatoes for seed for the following year

[Bm1]

I believe Jamieson and Taylor’s are certified!

[AndyRVTR]

Thanks. Is there any difference between all these companies like Jamieson, Taylors, Wilko’s etc ?

The only difference may be a better quality from the likes of JBA than Wilkos, however, as long as they're 'certified' they will still give you a risk free, disease free seed!

[mumofstig]

AndyRVTR: they will still give you a risk free, disease free crop!

AS long as they manage to avoid the dreaded blight.
Apart from the Sarpo varieties some of which have good resistance, most other varieties are susceptible 

[Bm1]

So the certification is only for the disease free aspect but are you all saying that regardless of which company they are from, a Charlotte will taste the same?

[mumofstig]

Yes, but, personally, I think the soil it is grown in, does affect the taste to some extent - as Jersey Royals don't taste the same when grown outside of Jersey for example.

[AndyRVTR]

AndyRVTR: they will still give you a risk free, disease free crop!

AS long as they manage to avoid the dreaded blight.
Apart from the Sarpo varieties some of which have good resistance, most other varieties are susceptible 

Sorry MOS I meant to say seed... I've changed my reply..

[Grubbypaws]

Thanks. Is there any difference between all these companies like Jamieson, Taylors, Wilko’s etc ?

Up until now I have always bought my potatoes from Thompson and Morgan. Last year the quality was atrocious so this year I have ordered from Sutton seeds and am really pleased with the quality. Would recommend.