Topic: When to lift Foremost Potatoes?

[Jitterbug]

Hi there

I planted Foremost potatoes on 10 April in big containers. (one per 30cm pot)  The leaves are very sturdy and I now also have flowers.  It is now ten weeks - the recommended time to harvest them in.  But when I tried to dig around with my finger I could not feel any potatoes.  Is it safe to lift them now or should I wait until the leaves and flowers die completely?  I would hate to be to eager and lift them early and get nothing for all the work. ;D

This is the first year  I am trying potatoes and have also got Fir Apple, King Edward and a french variety (de la Fontenay??)

Any help will be appreciated.  Regards  Jitterbug

[sandersj89]

I grew the same variety this year, in post and in the ground. The pot planted I harvest at about 9 weeks when they were in flower and had a good crop of egg sized tubers.

Outdoor grown are not ready just yet but I planted very deep.

I would have a good dig down as they bore thier tubers at about the smae depth as the planted seed potato.

HTH

Jerry

[Jitterbug]

Thanks again Jerry - I will go and have a root around - but they are outside so maybe I should wait a bit.

Jitterbug

[Larkspur]

Hi Jitterbug, I planted my Foremost into the ground on 1 April and dug the first roots a couple of days ago. Very nice :D, but they could realy do with another couple of weeks.

[saddad]

12-13 weeks is still the best guide to harvest time for first earlies, when you have had that long then worry or harvest....
 ;D

[the wizards sleeve]

mine should be OK know they have been in since march 16th got flowers but no wilting yet i will have a look tomorrow

[scotch-mist]

Don't worry Jitterbug,
I lifted one plant of my firsts a few days ago, just to see what was happening,
they were the size of marbles :(

I'm just going to leave them another month ;D

Have to say though,   the wee handful I cooked tasted great ;D

[Jitterbug]

Thanks guys

I have decided to leave them alone until next week-end and then I'm gonna eat them!! ;D  Ready or not!!

Jitterbug