Yukon Gem potatoes are considered determinate varieties. Determinate potatoes, such as Yukon Gem, have a specific growth pattern where they grow as a bush, flower, and then die off. This growth habit is different from indeterminate varieties, which continue to grow and produce tubers throughout the growing season.
I have personally grown Yukon Gem potatoes in my garden, and they have exhibited this determinate growth pattern. They start off as small plants with bushy foliage, and as they mature, they produce flowers. After flowering, the plants gradually start to wither and die, signaling the end of their growth cycle.
One key advantage of determinate potatoes is that they tend to have a more concentrated harvest period. Since the plants have a predetermined lifespan, they all reach maturity and can be harvested around the same time. This can be beneficial if you prefer to harvest a large quantity of potatoes at once for storage or immediate consumption.
However, it’s important to note that determinate varieties like Yukon Gem may not produce as many tubers per plant compared to indeterminate varieties. Indeterminate potatoes have the ability to continuously produce tubers as long as favorable growing conditions are maintained. This can result in a longer harvesting window and potentially higher overall yields.
Yukon Gem potatoes are classified as determinate varieties. They grow as bushes, flower, and then die off, indicating the end of their growth cycle. While determinate potatoes offer the advantage of a concentrated harvest period, they may not produce as many tubers per plant compared to indeterminate varieties.
