How to prune potato

Pinch flowers as they appear during the growing season; remove dead top growth at harvest. Pinch off flower buds by hand as they form to concentrate energy in tubers. Cut away any diseased or badly yellowed stems at the base with clean shears to limit spread.

As needed during the growing season. Potatoes need minimal pruning. Once plants reach about 12 inches, you can pinch off any flowers to redirect energy into tuber development. Remove yellowing or diseased foliage promptly. When the entire top growth dies back naturally at season end, that signals harvest time — don't cut it prematurely.

Pinch off flower buds by hand as they form to concentrate energy in tubers. Cut away any diseased or badly yellowed stems at the base with clean shears to limit spread.