Potatoes - missed the boat?

[NickG]

I haven't had a chance to plant potatoes yet but have some desiree that I can put in bags this weekend. I mentioned this to an experienced plotter at my site and he hinted that I have probably left it too late.

Have I?

[Martin H]

It's a little bit late for maincrop potatoes like Desiree - you run the risk of them being struck down by blight before they are mature.

But I'd give it a go. They will grow fast and you are likely to at least get back more than you planted!

[NickG]

Thanks martin. What type would I do well with planting now, second earlies or another? Thanks

[Martin H]

Earlies or second earlies would both have a good chance of reaching full maturity, if you can still find any for sale.

[Super Sprout]

My local Wyevale had dozens of packets of seed potatoes for sale at the weekend for the princely sum of £1 each, might be worth checking yours out?

I took on my first half plot in October 2016 and didn't really have a clue how many seed potatoes to buy in Feb so went for 7lbs which was approximately 50; and they have been chitting away ever since. I managed to get some ground dug in time to plant in April, gave 18 away, and planted my last 12 in bags yesterday. I hope the fact that they have been chitting for 3 months will ensure they reach maturity?

[poly]

I was late planting this year too, mostly last week! I expect Late Blight will be the biggest hazard, but even so there should be something to harvest later on. A bit late to be advising but as already said, Second earlies or an early Maincrop would work best. Even better would be one of the recent L. Blight resistant varieties, Athlete is good and as a second Early, not sure any will still be available?

[poly]

and planted my last 12 in bags yesterday. I hope the fact that they have been chitting for 3 months will ensure they reach maturity?

No guarantees, but potato plants do grow on very quickly when planted at this time of the year.

[DWSmith]

Different area of the world for me but it's suggested that we plant spuds in my area beginning April 15 and the last planting June 15. By unintended timing mine were planted May 15 and seem to be doing great.

I say go for it.