How can i grow tastier earlies?

Definitely ladyC. I also really liked the taste of Vivaldi but failed to find any this year. They can be grown as a second early or main, taste fantastic and can be cooked any which way.

Any one know why they were unavailable?

I can't wait to try mine - the packet said 10 weeks and its been 11 but they haven't flowered yet - should I risk digging some up?

Lots of people are the same I'm afraid - 10 weeks ago the soil was probably still cold so the potatoes would have got off to a slow start.  Air temperature may be on the up but it takes a while for soil to warm up - you only have to look at how slow the weeds were growing at the time.  You could attempt a "furtle" - this means gently scooping some soil away with your hands to avoid damaging roots and having a feel of the size of the tubers.  If small, just put the soil back and leave them a little longer.

I also really liked the taste of Vivaldi but failed to find any this year. They can be grown as a second early or main, taste fantastic and can be cooked any which way.

Any one know why they were unavailable?

After last year's awful weather and blight, there was rumour that potato seed stocks may be low, so  I have to confess I panic bought all mine in October/November last year.  JBA had 5 spud packs for sale at the time and I bought a pack to try them out - I'm really looking forward to see how they do on my plot 

I had my first taste of lady crystal this week and they were yummy! The first plant only had a few potatoes (and little foliage), but the second one there were loads! Fed the two of us with some left over. Think we'll be eating a fair few over the coming weeks! They had been in 11 to 12 weeks I think!  Very happy compared to the varieties I grew last year...

Hannah