[bigyin]

I sowed my potatoes in mid March using the best of compost that was well rotted.
Stalks are very healthy looking, about 18ins tall plenty of green healthy leaves with purple flower.
Flower is starting to die off at the moment and I lifted one stalk yesterday to check on them, I'm very diappointed as the potaoe sample is very very small, not even egg size.
Any ideas what could have gone wrong, or do you think there is a chance they could improve if I leave them longer ( until the flower has completely gone) I would appreciate any input,incidentally my cabbage and brussel sprout plants are huge grown in the same soil mix.

[michael brenock]

the state of maturity of blossom is no indicator of size or maturity of tubers. Leave the potatoes grow for as long as the stalks are green. You may have a lot of tubers and this delays the swelling of the tubers. Your compost may be very rich in Nitrogen and needs phosphates and potash to balance up. Be patient but a week can make a huge difference in the size of potatoes.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[bigyin]

Thank you Michael I really appreciate your response and will of course follow your advice and hopefully get the results that you think may be possible.

[Tatty Hoaker]

Just as a matter of interest, what type of potato did you set? Any chance they might be main crop? If so they will not be ready until August / Sept.

[bigyin]