Potato flower removal

Icemaiden Sat Jul 31, 2010 2:15 pm

Hi
I seem to recall a discussion a while back about removing (or not) potato flowers.

I heard on the radio (UK) today that the Victorians studied this and found that removing the flowers boosted the crop per acre from 14 to 15 tons.

Just out of curiosity I worked that out for my measerly 4 square feet (more next year) and that would mean 1.3 kg instead of 1.2 kg. Yippee, and extra 100g (4 oz?) of potatoes Potato flower removal Icon_lol

Mind you, I think, hope, that I will get a better yield than that anyway... They did say that this was for old types of potatoe which flowered and fruited more readily than the modern ones. At best it would be an extra 7%.

(On the otherhand, they did recommend de-flowering if children are around, and said to use cutters as the sap can irritate skin).

Chopper Sat Jul 31, 2010 4:24 pm

I think you are right that in the small home garden, it matters not a wit. That is essentially what I read. Opinions on this differ, but I would not sweat it.

Lavender Debs Sat Jul 31, 2010 5:06 pm

THANKS FOR BRINGING THIS UP!! I remember Justin and someone talking about it and couldn't remember what was said.

Sponsored content

Potato flower removal

Potato flower removal

Re: Potato flower removal

Re: Potato flower removal

Re: Potato flower removal


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.