The absence of flower stalks in potatoes raises a number of questions for the summer resident: why does it not bloom, will there be a harvest, is this phenomenon a problem? I propose to consider the reasons for this phenomenon.
Main reasons
The lack of flowering in potatoes can be caused by a number of reasons. Some of them are natural and do not require intervention, in other cases, immediate action is required to eliminate the problem.
Variety features
Breeders, engaged in breeding new types of potatoes, do not attach much importance to the flowering process. All their attention is focused on taste, resistance to diseases and the size of root crops. For this reason, many modern varieties either do not bloom at all, or their flowering is minimal. Varieties are also bred, the flowering of which begins and ends in a week.
Diseases and pests
Bushes affected by disease or attacked by pests are not able to bloom. A sick culture lags behind in development, grows poorly, has small foliage. Flowering either does not occur at all, or comes much later.
Pests eat buds and flowers, which gives the impression that the potato does not bloom. In addition to flowers, many pests completely destroy the foliage on the bushes. At the same time, not all insects live on the surface of the bushes, nematodes live underground, and their appearance is characterized by the absence of flowering and yellowing of the tops.
Violation of agricultural technology
If a flowering variety is planted, but flowering does not occur for a long time, then the reason may lie in a violation of the planting and growing technique. Bushes simply do not have enough strength to form flowers. The main causes of violations include:
- planting low-quality material;
- lack of irrigation;
- waterlogging of the soil;
- lack or excess of nutrients, especially nitrogen.
Poor care
The lack of flowering indicates inadequate care for the crop. In addition to applying the prescribed norms of fertilizers, bushes should be hilled, the soil should be loosened, and weeds should be removed.
What to do in the absence of flowering
Having found out the cause of the absence of flowers, it is necessary to begin to eliminate it.
- Features of the variety. No measures or actions are required. In this case, the lack of flowering does not affect the general condition of the crop and yield.
- Pests. A full treatment of the bushes with special preparations is required. Spraying is required not to be carried out superficially, but also from the back of the sheets. Use chemicals strictly in accordance with the instructions.
- Diseases. First of all, it is necessary to understand what exactly the plantings are infected with. Consultants in a gardening store will help you choose an effective remedy.
- Planting low-quality tubers. In such a situation, only the introduction of additional dressings will help. It is best to alternate organic and mineral fertilizers.
- Too much nitrogen. Tall, powerful bushes with abundant bright green foliage are one of the signs of an excess of nitrogen in the soil. To solve the problem, I recommend cutting off the top half of the tops and feeding the bushes with wood ash (1 cup per 1 bush).
To avoid lack of flowering, it is important to plant only strong, healthy tubers, do not overwater, and do not allow the soil to dry out, follow the recommended fertilizer dosages, remove weeds and loosen soil.
Leave your opinion about the lack of flowering in potatoes in the comments. Do you consider this a problem, or do you not focus attention on this fact?
Read also: Potato Bellarosa: description and technology of growing a variety
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