Second Early Nicola Potatoes

[Artisan]

My Nicola potatoes which I planted on the 30th March are doing expectionally well with plent of growth and flower. From what I have read these second early potatoes should be ready to harvest from July onward. I have not checked below to see how the potato tubers are but judging by the top growth I would like to think the crop should be good. Can anyone tell me if I can start harvesting a few now instead of waitng to the suggested harvest time?

[bramble]

Artisan, you can certainly dig around and see what size your crop is but they are only in the ground 10 weeks. I think its too early to start lifting second earlies.
Just my opinion.
Let us know how you get on and perhaps post a pic.

[Artisan]

Second Early Nicola Potatoes

Thank you for the advice. I will take your advice and leave them in the ground until July onward. I think my impatience got the better of me!

[1Bee]

It's sooooooo hard to wait! I'm in the same boat with my charlottes, planted around end March.

[1Bee]

My patience ran out. They were small, but perfectly respectable and delicious!

[Artisan]

I'm still hanging there! I keep looking at them and say shall I or shan’t I. If I carry on that way it will be October before I pluck up the courage to dig them up!!

[damian1225]

I didn't get mine in till the end of april so still some time for me to wait before lifting, I aim at around 100 days then start taking some

[Snoop Puss]

How many have you got in the ground, Artisan. If you've got lots, you might think it worth having a furtle and taking a few for a meal, even if they are a bit small, just to scratch your itch!

[Artisan]

Having got a smallish plot I only planted five Nicola seed potatoes. I've been scratching that itch since I planted them!

[Snoop Puss]

Then patience is a virtue that will be well-rewarded!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Usually about 18 weeks for second early, but you could have a shuffty at 16 weeks and use them as new potatoes.

The one thing you don't to do is lift a root and find it full of useless pea size spuds knowing if you had just waited.............

My haulms are in good shape this year, very green and vigorous, just hoping what the old gardeners used to say is true 'plenty of green = plenty of spuds..