[Ian_P]

Hi,
I have planted Sarpo Mira and Axona as main crop this year to try to beat the blight. I have heard the tuber quality can be bad if they are not harvested at the right time and way.

Back in the winter I read an article that said to prevent the tubers getting too large and hollow I should cut down the foliage some time before I harvest and the tubers should ripen/harden off underground. But I've lost the article. 

Does anyone have experience of how to harvest Sarpo potatoes please

Thanks

Ian

[DD.]

I've never heard this and have grown Sarpo for a few years now. I treat them as any other spud and wait until the foliage dies back a bit before lifting. Never had any hollow ones - or trouble with blight, of course.

The only time I've heard of cutting foiliage back is on other varieties if blighted, so it doesn't get to the tubers.

[realfood]

I agree, just treat them as normal and let them grow until they die down naturally. I find that their flavour improves when they are mature.

[Jabberwock]

Hi,
I also read this some time ago, I just had a wee look on the site I bought mine from and thought it may be of some use
http://www.alanromans.com/p-1892-sarpo-mira.aspx
Cheers

[Ian_P]

Thanks everyone.

That's great.

Sorry it took me so long to reply

Ian

[Idaho]

I have also heard in a few places about cutting the foliage a week or two before harvesting to let the skins harden off underground.

Might try it with half of mine.

[Rampant_Weasel]

some of my sarpo mira have just flowered. is this usual for sarpo? first time ive grown them.i thought they flowered when they are nearly ready but obviously its only late june

[DD.]

Flowering is an indication, especially for earlies, that there may be some useable, but immature spuds.

Sarpo Mira, being a main crop, will need to be left much longer after the flowers appear before harvesting.