[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Afternoon all,

I planted my first earlies on the 3rd April.... so we are now 7th June, and about 9 weeks later...

We must be close?

They have buds on them, that must be days from flowering.......

[J_B]

fingers crossed my tatties are also coming on well but growing second earlies and maincrop so some time to go

[heygrow]

Planted mine at the end of March. they are just starting to flower. I took a peep a couple of days ago (impatient) and there were only very small, marble size potatoes, so covered back up and will wait until another couple of week. I really need them out for the space to plant my Brussels.

[NewSteve]

Mine went in mid-April and I spotted the first tiny bud on one of them yesterday. The haulm is massive though.

The second earlies have more buds but less haulm. I'm hoping that's normal   

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

I'm guessing they needs a good bit of warmth to swell, so late June this year?

[DD.]

You need to have a furtle!

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Right I have had a furtle and found one near the top of the plant about inch under where I have earthed up that Is the size of a marble and one a further inch down that the size of a quails egg.

Didn't dare to go any further with fear of damaging plant.

What would this indicate?

[DD.]

That you need to wait a bit longer!

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Are the bigger ones usually nearer the bottom?

Sort of 6-8 inches down, or does it not matter and all sizes can be in all places?

Another 2-3 weeks?

[willp]

I had a bit of a furtle yesterday and mine are still marble sized - planted on April 7th.

According to my diary, I lifted the first, admittedly small, meals worth on June 5th last year.

Most delicious tatties of the year and I can`t wait!! 

Will

[RJR_38]

Are earlies like main crop in that you have to wait for them to flower and for leaves to start dying off?

[DD.]

They can be if you want!

However, for "new" spuds you need to lift them before maturity.

[RJR_38]

Ah, ok! I have planted some Anya as well which are new potatoes so I will start to have a look soon...

[mumofstig]

Anya are 2nd early salad types rather than early new spuds - according to jba
http://www.jbaseedpotatoes.co.uk/anya-seed-potatoes-albert-bartlett?filter_name=anya

[RJR_38]

Ooh yes I got muddled so have been to check my labels: earlies - Casablanca 2nd early salad - Anya and main crop purple majesty which I am very excited about!

Thanks