Harvesting potatoes is a rewarding task that marks the culmination of careful planting and nurturing. But knowing when your potatoes are ready to harvest can be a bit of a puzzle, especially for novice gardeners. This article aims to demystify the process and provide you with clear, actionable guidance on when to harvest your potatoes.
How do I know when my potatoes are ready to harvest? Potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage starts to die back. The skin of the potatoes should be firm and not rub off easily. For new potatoes, you can harvest as soon as the potatoes are large enough to eat. For storage potatoes, wait 2-3 weeks after the foliage has died back to allow the skins to harden.
The Importance of Timely Harvesting
Harvesting potatoes at the right time is crucial for both the taste and storage life of your potatoes. Harvest too early, and you’ll miss out on the full flavor and size potential. Wait too long, and you risk the potatoes becoming exposed to sunlight, turning them green and potentially toxic.
🥔 Tuber Tip: Always keep an eye on your potato plants. Changes in the plant’s appearance often signal that it’s time to start the harvesting process. 🥔
Types of Potatoes Discussed
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of harvesting various types of potatoes, including sweet potatoes, new potatoes, red potatoes, bucket potatoes, Charlotte potatoes, and seed potatoes. Each type has its unique characteristics and signs of readiness for harvest, ensuring you get the best out of your potato crop.
General Signs of Potato Readiness
Knowing when your potatoes are ready to harvest can be a bit of a guessing game. However, there are some general signs that can guide you in determining the right time to start digging. Let’s explore these indicators in detail.
Time Since Planting
The first sign to consider is the time since planting. The amount of time it takes for potatoes to grow to maturity can range from 70 to 120 days. Count forward from the time of planting based on the number of days till harvest for the type of potatoes you’re growing. When you’re nearing the anticipated harvest time, start checking for the next signs.
Change in Leaf Color
The second sign is the potato leaves turning brown and papery. A change in color of the leaves on your plant is a telltale sign that the plant is nearing the time when your buried treasures can be dug up. This is because the plant has completed its lifecycle and has transferred all its energy to the tubers.
🥔 Tuber Tip: Keep a close eye on your potato plants. Changes in the plant’s appearance often signal that it’s time to start the harvesting process. 🥔
Potato Skins Feel Thick and Firm
The third sign is when the potato skins feel thick and firm. If the skins feel too delicate and can be easily rubbed off with your thumb, those potatoes are not mature. Mature potatoes have a firm skin that remains intact when rubbed. This is an important factor, especially if you plan to store your potatoes for a longer period.
What Do Potato Plants Look Like When Ready to Harvest?
When potatoes are ready to harvest, the above-ground part of the plant, known as the haulm, begins to die back. The leaves turn yellow, then brown, and the stems start to wilt. Eventually, the entire plant may collapse. This is a clear indication that the potatoes are ready to be harvested. However, it’s always a good idea to dig up a test hill to confirm potato maturity.
Specifics for Different Types of Potatoes
While the general signs of potato readiness apply to all types, each variety of potato has its unique characteristics and optimal harvesting time. Let’s delve into the specifics of when to harvest sweet potatoes, new potatoes, red potatoes, bucket potatoes, charlotte potatoes, and seed potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are usually ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die back, typically 100 to 140 days after planting. The tubers should be plump and the skin should be slightly resistant when you press it. If the skin is too thin and breaks easily, the sweet potatoes need more time to mature.
New Potatoes
New potatoes are harvested while the plant is still green, usually a few weeks after the plants have finished flowering. They are small, tender, and have thin skins. You can gently dig around the base of the potato plant to check the size of the potatoes. If they are the size of a large egg, they are ready to harvest.
Red Potatoes
Red potatoes are typically ready to harvest 90 to 120 days after planting. The plant’s foliage will begin to yellow and die back when the potatoes are ready. The skin of a mature red potato will be thick and firmly attached to the flesh. If the skin rubs off easily, give them a little more time to mature.
Bucket Potatoes
Bucket potatoes, or potatoes grown in containers, can be harvested at any time once they have reached a desirable size. You can check their progress by carefully digging around in the container. However, for the fullest yield, it’s best to wait until the plant’s foliage has died back.
Charlotte Potatoes
Charlotte potatoes are a type of salad potato that are harvested when they are still small and tender, usually around 90 days after planting. They are ready to harvest when the flowers have opened or the foliage begins to die back.
Seed Potatoes
Seed potatoes are typically ready to harvest 70 to 90 days after planting. They are harvested at the same time as new potatoes, while the plant is still green and before the vines have died back. The tubers will be small and tender, perfect for boiling or roasting.
🥔 Tuber Tip: Remember, the exact timing for harvesting can vary based on your local climate and weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to keep a garden journal to track your planting and harvesting dates. 🥔
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care
Once you’ve determined that your potatoes are ready to harvest, it’s important to follow the correct harvesting and post-harvest care procedures to ensure the longevity and quality of your potatoes. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Harvesting Potatoes
1. Choose a dry day to harvest your potatoes. Wet soil can stick to the potatoes and cause them to rot during storage.
2. Start at the outer edges of the plant and use a garden fork or spade to gently lift the soil. Be careful not to damage the tubers as this can lead to rot.
3. Once the potatoes are exposed, pick them up and brush off any excess soil. Avoid washing the potatoes at this stage as moisture can encourage mold growth.
4. If you accidentally damage any potatoes during the harvesting process, set them aside to be used immediately.
Post-Harvest Care
1. After harvesting, potatoes need to be cured. Leave them in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 7 to 16 degrees Celsius (45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) for about two weeks. This allows the skins to harden and minor injuries to seal.
2. Once cured, store your potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator as the cold temperature can convert the starch in the potatoes into sugar, altering their taste.
3. Regularly check your stored potatoes and remove any that show signs of rot to prevent it from spreading to the others.
🥔 Tuber Tip: Can you eat potatoes right after harvest? Absolutely! Freshly harvested potatoes are delicious. However, if you plan to store them, it’s crucial to let them cure first to increase their storage life. 🥔
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Harvesting potatoes might seem straightforward, but there are common mistakes and misconceptions that can affect the quality and longevity of your harvest. Let’s address these to ensure you get the most out of your potato crop.
Harvesting Too Early
One of the most common mistakes is harvesting potatoes too early. While it’s tempting to dig up your potatoes as soon as you see the plant flowering, doing so might result in smaller potatoes with thinner skins that don’t store well. Wait until the plant’s foliage has died back to ensure the potatoes have reached their full size and the skins have thickened.
Misconceptions About Potato Plants
A common misconception is that potato plants need to be completely dead before you can start harvesting. While it’s true that the plant’s foliage dying back is a good sign that the potatoes are ready, you don’t need to wait until the plant is completely dead. In fact, if you wait too long, the potatoes might start to rot in the ground.
🥔 Tuber Tip: How long can you leave potatoes in the ground after the plant dies? You can leave potatoes in the ground for a few weeks after the plant dies, but don’t wait too long. If left in the ground for too long, potatoes can become susceptible to pests and diseases. 🥔
Conclusion
Harvesting potatoes at the right time is crucial for both the quality and longevity of your crop. By understanding the general signs of potato readiness, such as the time since planting, the leaves turning brown and papery, and the potato skins feeling thick and firm, you can ensure a successful harvest.
Remember, different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes, new potatoes, red potatoes, bucket potatoes, charlotte potatoes, and seed potatoes, may have slightly different harvesting times. Always keep an eye on your plants and use the knowledge you’ve gained from this article to identify when they’re ready to harvest.
Harvesting your potatoes carefully and providing proper post-harvest care, including curing and storing, will ensure your potatoes last longer and taste better. Avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, such as harvesting too early or leaving potatoes in the ground for too long after the plant dies.
Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, we encourage you to apply it in your own garden. With patience and careful observation, you’ll be able to enjoy a bountiful potato harvest. Happy gardening!