Very confused potato grower

[Storming Norman]

Please sort out my confusion.

I have some early potatos in containers - planted in late Feb and moved into the Garden, from some shelter, around 3 weeks ago.

I also have some Charlottes [2nd earlies?] planted in a raised bed 2 weeks later & covered with hoops and fleece. The fleece was taken off 2 weeks ago.

Over half of the Charlottes have flowers on, nothing but leaves on the earlies.

I always thought that May was far too early for outdoor charlottes to be getting ready. It has been good weather but really - are they teasing me? if I have a dig down to see what is going on will they be laughing at me?

Ann

[SarzWix]

Some varieties don't flower at all SN, so you have to go by how many weeks they've been planted

[Alan Farmer]

Check it and see, one more time for me, etc etc Have a look, stick your arm in and have a feel !!!!!!

[Alice]

The surest guide to your potatoes being ready is when the foliage starts to die down so unless you're starving and can't wait I would just wait until the foliage starts to go.

[rana]

In the past I have harvested Chalottes during the last week of May when warm wet spring conditions prevailed, but they do better if you leave them for a bit while the tubers swell. If you are impatient then as Alan says - have a feel - but I suspect that this years dry Surrey spring will have as yet only produced small potatoes.

[Storming Norman]

Thanks Guys - yes they are small and I like Charlottes so will wait a bit and water more.

The flowers are surprisingly pretty - I'd never grown this variety before but will definitely do so again.

Ann