When to Harvest Early Potatoes

Knowing when to harvest early potatoes ensures the best flavour, texture, and yield. Early potatoes are prized for their tender skins and fresh taste, but timing is crucial—harvest too soon and yields are small, leave them too long and quality quickly declines.

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What Are Early Potatoes?

Early potatoes are varieties bred to mature quickly. They are usually harvested as new potatoes, meaning they have thin skins and are meant to be eaten fresh rather than stored.

There are two main types:

• First earlies
• Second earlies

Both are harvested much earlier than maincrop potatoes.

When Are First Early Potatoes Ready to Harvest?

First early potatoes are usually ready 10–12 weeks after planting.

Typical UK timing:

• Planted: March
• Harvested: Late May to June

The first sign they are ready is when plants begin to flower. At this stage, potatoes will be small but tender and full of flavour.

You can also gently feel around the soil with your hand to check tuber size without lifting the whole plant.

When Are Second Early Potatoes Ready to Harvest?

Second early potatoes take slightly longer and are usually ready 13–15 weeks after planting.

Typical UK timing:

• Planted: Late March to early April
• Harvested: June to July

They produce slightly larger potatoes than first earlies but still have thin skins and are best eaten fresh.

Should You Wait for the Foliage to Die Back?

For early potatoes, no. Unlike maincrop potatoes, early varieties do not need foliage to die back before harvesting. In fact, waiting too long reduces quality and increases the risk of pests and disease.

Early potatoes are best harvested while foliage is still green or just beginning to yellow.

How to Tell Early Potatoes Are Ready

Early potatoes are ready when:

• Plants start flowering
• Tubers feel marble- to egg-sized
• Skins are thin and rub off easily
• Plants are actively growing

These signs indicate ideal eating quality.

How Long Can Early Potatoes Stay in the Ground?

Early potatoes should be harvested within 1–2 weeks of reaching maturity.

Leaving them in the ground too long can lead to:

• Slug and pest damage
• Split or oversized tubers
• Reduced flavour
• Increased disease risk

They are not designed to bulk up or store like maincrop potatoes.

How to Harvest Early Potatoes Properly

Harvest on a dry day if possible. Use your hands or a fork carefully to avoid damaging tubers. Lift gently, as early potatoes bruise easily and have delicate skins.

Only harvest what you need if conditions are dry—plants can be left briefly for staggered harvesting.

Can You Harvest Early Potatoes Too Soon?

Yes. Harvesting too early results in very small yields and wasted growing potential. If plants are still very leafy with no flowers, it’s usually best to wait another week or two.

What to Do After Harvesting

Early potatoes should be eaten soon after harvesting. Do not wash them for storage—simply brush off soil and use within a few days. They are not suitable for long-term storage.

Final Thoughts

Early potatoes should be harvested when plants flower and tubers reach usable size, usually 10–15 weeks after planting depending on type. For the best flavour and texture, don’t wait too long—early potatoes are meant to be enjoyed fresh, straight from the soil.