Mini Potato Forrest

[aes]

Hi all

Given this is my first year growing anything (apart from a beanstalk at primary school) I am totally unsure what to expect. For example, I have planted a host of potatoes, which were chitted and planted out in big bags etc. They have been in a good while now and two of the plants look like they will flower soon, however the others are showing no signs.

The main issue I have is that the potato stalks are up about 3 feet high in some cases, and have been broken by the wind. Is this normal or have I done something far wrong?!

Should I cut some of the stalks back so more energy can be put into making me some tasy tatties or should I just leave them to get on with what they do?!

Your thoughs and comments are much appreciated

[zazen999]

Hi aes

Early potatoes don't flower - so it depends on the type.

If you know which type, you can google it and find out how many weeks until harvest. i tend to start furtling as soon as those weeks are up, pulling potatoes out and leaving the plant in situ.

Potatoes in bags often grow lots of foliage, I wait for it to die back before harvesting but it you can't furtle, and it is over the time from planting to harvest, then only you can decide when to start tipping them out.

Personally, if the foliage had all broken then I'd be inclined to chop some back if I couldn't tie it back somehow, but tying it back would be favourable if you think they still need growing time. Take the flowers off, so that the energy goes into the potatoes and not the flowers.

[Snadger]

It's the foliage that gives the 'energy'for the spuds to grow so don't cut it off!

[Two_Sheds]

My bucket spuds have 3 foot high foliage too ...they look like triffids. They are Skerry Blues, with nice black stems and dark leaves.
I have good fun playing "guess the plant" with FiL (who knows everything about everything).

[solway cropper]

If you've got quite a few bags just tip one up and see what comes out. Even if the spuds are only small they'll taste delicious.

[terrier]

My bucket spuds have 3 foot high foliage too ...they look like triffids. They are Skerry Blues, with nice black stems and dark leaves.
I have good fun playing "guess the plant" with FiL (who knows everything about everything).

If they've got black stems and dark leaves, how do you know when they've got BLIGHT!!!

[cupcake]

I have 6 gro-sacs and the foliage has bent down to the ground and is now on the way back up again!

[aes]

Hmm interesting stuff this growing of the tasty potato! I will try tying them all up and see how it goes. They have been in for, I think about 10-12 weeks. I will update and let you know what I find when I tip a bag out maybe next week. Once again thanks!!