[Annen]

Do potatoes have to flower before harvesting?

I have some Wilja a second early due to harvest in about 3 weeks time, but they don't have any flowers, or even any sign of flowers yet.
But my maincrop Desiree has all its flowers on now, and that's not due to harvest till August.
Is this normal? I don't often grow potatoes.

[ghost61]

According to the British Potato Variety Database, Wilja does flower.  If I were you I would lift one plant in three weeks time and see what's there!

[mumofstig]

Yes, in a few weeks, have a furtle to see if they're ready

Out of interest when did you plant them?

[Annen]

Yes, in a few weeks, have a furtle to see if they're ready

Out of interest when did you plant them?

I put them in on 4th April.  According to the packet 13-15 weeks for Wilja and 15-22 weeks for Desiree

[mumofstig]

About the same planting time for mine - I thought they would be ready mid July about when my earlies will be finished 

[Annen]

I'm getting ahead of myself, I'll check at the beginning of July.   
I still think it is strange that the main is flowering before the 2nd early

[solway cropper]

Those varieties that flower seem to please themselves whether they will or not.

I have 80 odd potato plants growing, 4 different varieties and not a flower in sight. The reason, I eventually discovered, is that some of the local bird life seems to enjoy pecking out the flower buds!!

[Markw]

My pentlland have not started to show any flowers yet, but the Cara  annd Orla have flowers on them, the other ones that I am growing have nothing on them yet. I will be having a little dig around in a few weeks to see how thing are getting on.

[RJR_38]

Rather than start a new thread I thought I would ask my potato question on here. I think my main crops will be ready around the time I get married ( I know - rubbish timing!) will it do them any harm to be left in the ground an extra 3 weeks until I get back from honeymoon?

[Annen]

No, I think you should come back halfway through your honeymoon to dig them up! Honestly! Kids today! No dedication!

[mumofstig]

No problem - unless blight strikes while you are away.
In which case the rotting foliage will be left in place to spread to everyone else, and may go down into the tubers to rot them as well 

[RJR_38]

So what would you do mum - dig them up early or take the gamble? Spreading to anyone else isn't an issue - I am the furthest plot and pretty much on my own. If I got bight would it be pretty much guaranteed to ruin the crop?

[ghost61]

If you're worried about blight, cut the haulms (stems) off. The potatoes will be fine.  I always do that if blight strikes!