The principal planting of a specific crop, grown to reach full maturity and bulk during the peak of the growing season. Unlike early varieties planted for quick spring harvests or late varieties sown for winter, maincrop varieties take the longest to mature but offer the highest yields and the best storage qualities. It is a common classification for potatoes and carrots.
Heard on the job
We'll dig the early potatoes next week, but the maincrop won't be ready until late September.
Do not mix it up with
- Cash crop: A cash crop is grown to be sold for profit, while a maincrop refers to the timing and maturity type of the variety.