Is this normal for Xmas potatoes

[Lisasbolt]

I have never grown potatoes for Xmas time or in pots. I think they are looking good and I know a smaller plant with having less time to grow but they are starting to send out little flower buds. Shall I carry on just doing what I am doing or should I cut them off? Is it normal? Thanks in advance




Quite impressed that my photos are the right way up, makes a change! Although I don't know what I did differently 😄

[bearded bloke]

They are looking good Lisa Personally I would nip the flowers & let the plants redirect that energy into producing more/bigger tubers, also if you're not doing it already start giving them some feed as the compost will be depleated by now, tomato feed will do fine.

[Lisasbolt]

Thanks I'll give them a feed later

[Scoot]

When is the best time to plant Potatoes for xmas? July?

Is there any specific type you need to plant and do they need to be under cover like in a greenhouse in a growbag?

[Penellype]

If they are making flowers it shows that they are old enough to start making potatoes too. Still plenty of time for them to grow before Xmas

I planted my Xmas potatoes (charlotte) at the beginning of August. Best to use an early or 2nd early variety. I leave mine outside in the sunshine as long as possible but bring them indoors once frost is forecast. They are in 30 litre pots to make moving easier.

I should perhaps add that by "indoors" in my garden, I mean in the garage.

[Scoot]

Thanks a lot, i may try this next year.

[Lisasbolt]

Hopefully we won´t have any frost till after xmas if any, i will move them next month (November) into the polytunnel.
I planted at the mid of august, no idea what type but got them from the local feed/plug plant supplier, so they will be the correct ones.

Thanks all

[WendyC]

There aren't any special varieties of Christmas potatoes, they are just the same as you buy in the Spring but have been kept in a cold store longer. As Penellype said you just need a quick maturing type Ithat make the most of the limited growing time.
Scoot- I don't want to put you off but Lisa is in Spain, which I think, will have a climate more favourable to late cropping potatoes than Co. Durham!

[Penellype]

I'm in Yorkshire and I'm having a go. This is the first year I have tried Charlotte - I tried a couple of years ago with Sarpo Axona which produced a few new potatoes for Christmas but is really a maincrop variety. My main concern with Charlotte is blight, although touch wood there is no sign of it yet.

[bearded bloke]

Penellype, after you take your pot's "indoors" give them a layer or two of bubblewrap on the sides & stand them on polystyrene, these measures will help retain warmth in the soil to encourage further growth

[Valleyman]

I have done a first attempt at Sarpo Mira for an Xmas spud this year (Stored in the fridge, from the spring planting). I planted in mid July given the extra time required as they are a main crop. Currently flowering, so spuds are forecast. They are currently sat next to my attempt at xmas carrots, who knows where that will go.

They will both go in the greenhouse once the peppers, chillis and toms stop producing in the next couple of weeks.

[Scoot]

There aren't any special varieties of Christmas potatoes, they are just the same as you buy in the Spring but have been kept in a cold store longer. As Penellype said you just need a quick maturing type Ithat make the most of the limited growing time.
Scoot- I don't want to put you off but Lisa is in Spain, which I think, will have a climate more favourable to late cropping potatoes than Co. Durham!

I never noticed that hahaha!!!

So it's not something that is done in this country lol?

[WendyC]

People do grow them in the UK, but it's a bit less reliable.

[Jungle Jane]

You could add some straw/thin layer of grass as a mulch,to keep them as warm as can be.

[Scoot]

Yeah i could do that. I'll be growing them in a large 30ltr pot in my growhouse, so maybe that will help them a little bit as well.

Anyway, we'll see what happens next year.