Knowledgebase

Potato Flowers #872548

Asked June 11, 2024, 8:03 AM EDT

Does removing the flowers on a potato plant redirect the plants energy to produce larger potatoes? Are the flowers needed for production?

Berrien County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Lauren, thanks for the question.

Flower removal can influence the plant; however, the degree to which it may benefit your plant may not be significant.  Appropriate fertilization and watering will probably be a better route.  Check out the following link:

Growing Potatoes 1 (msu.edu)

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 11, 2024, 11:39 AM EDT
Thank you......it is interesting that there is zero mention of determinate vs indeterminate potatoes on the info link you sent. Does this not really have any impact on how they are grown, what to expect etc?



On Tue, Jun 11, 2024 at 11:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2024, 11:53 AM EDT

Hi again, 

Yes, there are some differences in indeterminate versus determinate potatoes. Probably the biggest difference is the time to maturity with indeterminate taking longer.  Determinates tubers are found at the same level in the soil above the seed potato, whereas indeterminates grow progressively higher above the seed potato and requires hilling.  Check out the following link: 

A Passion For Growing Potatoes in Alaska – Alaska Master Gardener Blog (uaf.edu)

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 11, 2024, 9:54 PM EDT
VERY helpful! Thanks a million! .....now I'm a potato farmer.... :)
On Tue, Jun 11, 2024 at 9:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2024, 8:47 AM EDT

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