Early harvest or “robbing the plant” is a method of harvesting potatoes before they reach full maturity. This can be done approximately 60 days after planting or 30 days after flowering. The term “60 day potatoes” refers to these early harvested potatoes.
When potatoes are harvested at this stage, they are referred to as new potatoes. These are potatoes that are still relatively small and have not fully developed. They have a thin skin and a tender texture, making them ideal for certain dishes.
One of the main reasons for harvesting potatoes early is to enjoy the unique flavor and texture of new potatoes. These potatoes have a fresh and delicate taste that is highly prized by many gardeners and chefs. They are often described as creamy and buttery, with a slightly sweet flavor.
Another reason to harvest potatoes early is convenience. If you can find potatoes in your garden before the plants reach full maturity, you can simply dig them up and enjoy them right away. There is no need to wait for the plants to fully senesce and die back.
However, it is important to note that early harvested potatoes do not store well. Since they have not fully matured, they do not have the thick skins and starch content that allow potatoes to be stored for long periods of time. Therefore, it is best to consume them soon after harvesting.
To determine if your potatoes are ready for early harvest, look for signs of maturity. Potato plants are considered mature when the vines start to senesce or die back. This is typically visible as the leaves turn yellow and the stems become weak and easily fall over. Once you observe these signs, you can start digging up the potatoes.
When harvesting early potatoes, it is best to be gentle and avoid damaging the tubers. Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the plants, being careful not to pierce or cut the potatoes. Gently lift the plants out of the ground and shake off excess soil. Then, carefully comb through the soil to find the potatoes.
If you plan to store potatoes for long periods, it is recommended to wait until the plants have fully senesced before harvesting. This allows the potatoes to develop their full flavor and starch content, enabling them to be stored successfully.
60 day potatoes refer to early harvested potatoes that are enjoyed as new potatoes. They have a unique flavor and texture, but do not store well. Harvesting them can be done when the potato plants start to senesce, or approximately 60 days after planting or 30 days after flowering.
