Potato flowers

[The Mama Chicken]

I didn't realize how pretty potato flowers are. I have both purple and white. Will it hurt the plant if I pick a few to put in a vase?
My experimental tomato (the one with the soda bottle greenhouse) has flowers now, too.

 

[lesa]

They are pretty aren't they? I am sure cutting a few wouldn't hurt....

 

[chris09]

I cut all the blossoms off way before they have time to bloom.
I was always told to keep the blossoms cut so that they don't steal energy from the plant.


Chris

 

[catjac1975]

How could they not need their blossoms?

 

[lesa]

The potatoes are underground- I think the flowers would only be used for potato seeds. I have seen a few peoples pics of flowers that go to seed.... Don't think the flowers have much to do with the growth of the potatoes.

 

[ninnymary]

Thanks MamaChicken for letting us know about the pretty flowers. I didn't know that. I love that I always learn something here. Now I can't wait for my potatoes to flower. I didn't know they had such strong, sturdy stems!

Mary

 

[chris09]

How could they not need their blossoms?

The gardener has no need for the blossoms on a potato plant just like other root crops because the fruit is below the ground and not from the blossom like a tomato or pepper.
For the gardener there is no real need for blossoms on;
Potatoes,
Carrots,
Beets,
Onions,
Garlic,
Lettuce,
Cabbage, etc.

Chris