After a very warm and dry spring, my potato plants have already started to bloom in early June. I wondered if they are putting a significant amount of energy into producing the flowers, and if pinching them out would cause the plants to put that energy into producing tubers instead.
Does pinching out flowers on a potato plant have an affect on the crop, whether in the number or size of the tubers?
Yes, pinch them out or off altogether whenever they appear, until the time you'd usually expect them to flower - it does redirect energy into the tubers rather than wasting it on producing flowers, so you may get larger or more potatoes, assuming water supply is sufficient.
It may slow production of the tubers to have them bloom but it’s NOT significant enough to make a huge difference. Plus, you may be able to ‘discover’ a new cultivar!
My reference is 35 years of plants/greenhouse/landscaping/zoo & botanical garden work etc. Here’s a link to a reliable source as well.... https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/potato-plant-flowering.htm
