Earlies collapsing

[Dorothy rouse]

Been up to plot this afternoon, and my Earlies (Rocket I think), have collapsed? Is this serious? Or does it mean they just need water? Or are they ready for harvesting? They have been earthed up (a bit).

[WendyC]

When did you plant them? Are there any signs of disease, especially around the base of the leaf stem.

[Dorothy rouse]

About 3rd week in April, no signs of any disease , still nice and green, and we've had no frosts at all down here.

[WendyC]

Probably just hot. Did you water them? Try looking in the morning or evening.

[Greenleaves]

Mine looked the same Friday DR, good drink made them look better

[Potstubsdustbins]

Sounds like lack of water to me too. Potatoes are 80% plus water so you need to keep the well watered in this dry spell otherwise it will affect the harvest.

[Dorothy rouse]

Ok, I'll pop up later and give them a really good watering, I did water but probably not enough as was sorting out strawberries.

Task today - watering the potatoes.

[Bill HH]

I would go with lack of water, also it might be too much nitrogen in the soil causing more leaf growth than the plants can support.

[Knight of Albion]

Yes, sounds like dehydration. It was mighty hot the last few days. It soon dries the soil out.

[Dorothy rouse]

Just want to say a BIG thank you, I took your advice, been watering the potatoes for 2 days, and they have perked up, looking much happier now. Am going to try and post a piccy.

[Dorothy rouse]

Potatoes in recovery

[Dorothy rouse]

Bit blurred I'm afraid.

[Potstubsdustbins]

That's good news Dotty keep up the good work.

[Richard Eldritch]

Personally mine have always collapsed. As long as they don't snap it isn't a problem as the side shoots then grow upwards and form a new, bigger canopy.