Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but knowing exactly when to harvest them can make all the difference in flavour, texture, and storage life. 

Harvesting too early can result in small, thin-skinned potatoes, while waiting too long may expose your crop to pests, disease, or unfavourable weather. 

These are some of the most reliable signs that your potatoes are ready to harvest. 

1. The leaves die back 

One of the clearest signs that your potatoes are mature is when the plant’s leaves begin to yellow, wilt, and eventually die back. This indicates that the plant has completed its growing cycle and has stopped sending energy to the tubers. 

Once most of the leaves die, it is advised to wait another one to two weeks before digging up your potatoes. This extra time allows the skins to thicken, making the potatoes less prone to bruising and better suited for long-term storage. 

2. The potato skins are firm 

Before harvesting the entire crop, carefully dig up one or two potatoes and check their skins. Mature potatoes have firm skins that do not rub off easily when you gently press them with your thumb. 

If the skin peels away easily, the potatoes need more time in the ground. Allow them to continue maturing for another week or two before checking again. 

3. The potatoes reach a good size 

While potato size varies depending on the variety you planted, mature potatoes should have reached their expected size by harvest time. If the tubers are still very small, they may benefit from additional growing time if the leaves remain healthy. 

For anyone who enjoys “new potatoes”, you can harvest smaller potatoes earlier in the season, about two to three weeks after the plants finish flowering. These tender potatoes have thin skins and are best enjoyed fresh rather than stored. 

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When not to harvest 

There are two important times you do not want to harvest potatoes. Firstly, if the potatoes have turned green, don’t harvest them. 

The green means the potato has been exposed to the sun, and solanine has formed in the green areas. Sometimes this can happen when potatoes push their way up out of the soil or if the soil hills are disturbed.  

Another time when not to harvest potatoes is before their first 7 weeks after planting. At this time, they’re still too young!  

Senior woman harvesting a fresh bio potatoes from her huge garden, gardening concept

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Recognising the right time to harvest ensures you’ll enjoy larger, healthier potatoes with excellent flavour and longer storage potential. 

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