Topic: Early potato yields

[vaca]

Hello

Only 8 weeks after planting 2 rows of early maris bard spuds, I just had to check underground for tubers - I found some and couldn't help myself and had to dig two plants up even if I knew it was a little early. These are my first potatoes ever planted so was keen to try them. To my surprise, the two plants provided me with 1.2 kg of good sized early potatoes.

a week later, I had to go for more, but this time, I had to dig up 4 plants to get a similar quantity, and even then, I only managed 1kg. It did get me a little down as I was already calculating what I'd get from my 2 rows of earlies... I think I'll leave the remainder of the plants to grow for another month or so to increase yields...

question is... what should I expect as an average yield per plant (for an early potato)? and is it normal to have such different yields from one plant to the other?

would be good to hear what yields the rest of you are managing.

Vaca

[sandersj89]

It can be a little hit and miss, one plant gives loads the next half of that. As to actual yield it will also very loads by variety and culitvation. I must admit I never weigh mine so cant quote numbers.

This link shows the variation in yields, and other characteristics:

http://www.potato.org.uk/toolbox/decision_guides/seedvarieties/firstear.pdf

But be ware about leaving them too long in the ground, this makes them more vunerable to pests and they may also set a skin and make them harder to cook without them falling to pieces.

HTH

Jerry

[tim]

I'm only averaging about 8 tubers from Colleen this year - well down.