How far on should sarpo be?

gerwil · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

I know someone who has sarpo mira and axona set and was wondering how far on should they be now?

They were set in April with organic potato fertilizer and are I think about 2 feet tall now and are in flower, but from what I read about sarpo I was expecting them to have very strong vigorous stalks.

Other than that they are quite healthy so I was just wondering if this seems normal or would they be stunted?

Also when would you guys think would be okay to start digging test batches before cutting the stalks, I was think maybe mid august but what do you think.

Thanks.

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:42 pm Post subject:

I have both Sarpo Mira and Axona growing. The earliest ones I planted (in March) are over four feet, about a foot taller than the last ones (planted in April). The later ones might catch up, but the earlier ones were much larger seed, so I'm not sure. I've dug some of the Axonas and they were very good - solid, floury and good flavour, but I know from experience they will increase greatly in size over the next two months or more. Why, incidentally are you thinking of cutting the stalks?

gerwil · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

Thanks for the reply, the back story to this is the person who set these asked me to get them seed spud so I went and got them the sarpo as I had read a lot of good things about them.
I got them and chitted them and gave them the fertilizer but this person wouldn't be great for taking advice so I'm not sure how well the would have been looked after but I do try to advice them as best I can.

Anyway I'm gone way off topic, but as to why I'd get them to cut the stalks, I read up on the sarpo before getting them and on the (Sárvári research trust) website it says its best to dig a few testers and when happy with the size to cut and dispose of the stalks and leave the spuds for 3 weeks to set their skins.

I might try and get a look a look at them in the next while and see how they're doing, but as I said in my other post I was just wondering if they might be a little stunted but I suppose once they're in flower they should be okay and as they're indeterminate I guess they could grow a good bit yet.

When would you plan on digging the ones you set in April?

Thanks again

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject:

All being well, I'm not planning to dig mine till October. They're a great-keeping spud, and I'm looking for bulk to see me through the winter; so the bigger they grow, the better I like it!