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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: KLJ on September 12, 2006, 09:50:42

Title: Pink fir apple
Post by: KLJ on September 12, 2006, 09:50:42
Hi , This is my first post so please be patient with me!

I planted pink fir apples in April.  The stems seem to be very long and leggy.  I have dug up a few plants but the potatoes are very small.  Has anyone any idea how long these potatoes usually take to reach a decent size or does the follage usually die off when they are ready?
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: jellywelly on September 12, 2006, 10:29:18
How small were they, as I believe Pink Fir are quite a small growine potatoe.
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: tim on September 12, 2006, 10:46:27
1. The haulms are V long! That's one reason that they introduced Anya. And one reason you plant them WELL apart.

2. Harvest? Usually well into October.

3. Size? Nothing wimpish about them!!

4. Yes - wait till they die down.
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: Barnowl on September 12, 2006, 13:35:17
I've dug up half the row and the pink firs seem fine.  the remaining haulms are getting very brown.
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k167/jackdaw3/092006Allotment002c.jpg)

(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k167/jackdaw3/092006Allotment0011c.jpg)

don't want any more at the moment, so is this the time to cut off the haulms and get out the espresso machine?

PS apologies for uncleared weeds
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: tim on September 12, 2006, 15:17:00
Since you'll be using them until next Spring, I would be in no hurry.
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: Barnowl on September 12, 2006, 15:23:07
Thanks Tim, I'll hold back.
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: saddad on September 12, 2006, 16:36:33
PFA is a late main... all the first pots brought to Europe were late mains.. they don't start to form tubers until the nights draw in. Leave them as long as possible. The tops sometimes grow up to 10' but obviously flop all over the place!
;D
Title: Re: Pink fir apple
Post by: tim on September 12, 2006, 18:09:55
Looking back, Barnie - some look deader than others??