Flowering potatoes

InTheMoorlands

I put in some Maris Peer as a second crop at the end of July.  They have grown well and look very healthy.  I'm a bit concerned as they do not look like flowering.  Is this going to be a problem?

Dovefromabove

Maris Peer usually take about 16 weeks from planting to being ready to harvest, so it’s a bit early to expect flowering yet. 😊 

InTheMoorlands

Thanks for that.  I'm a bit new to growing veg.  As a matter of interest can you have potatoes without flowers?

BobTheGardener

Yes;  Not all varieties flower, anyway.  The best thing to do with yours is wait until the tops die off (the first frost will kill them.)  That way you'll maximize any crop (if you get one - my spuds are planted in March.)  If in pots, you can extend the growing period by putting them in a greenhouse.

Dovefromabove

Yes ... the flowers are merely an indication of the fact that enough time may have passed for the tubers to be formed.  After the flowers the plants produce green fruits that look like their 'cousins' the tomato ... they are poisonous so if you have inquisitive young children it's a good idea to remove them.  Some folk remove them anyway as there's a theory that the potatoes grow bigger if you do that ... my brother is a potato farmer and he says the difference is negligible.  

InTheMoorlands

Thanks again, it's a lot clearer now. 

I can't use the greenhouse in winter as the OH moves her extensive bonsai collection into there.  I've got room in a large garage and if the winter gets too brutal will drag to containers in there until they are wanted.  I think that I saw another post where someone was doing this.