Buy Seed Potatoes: A Guide to Choosing and Growing the Best Varieties

Buying seed potatoes is the first step to growing a successful and healthy potato crop. Seed potatoes, which are certified disease-free tubers, ensure a reliable and productive harvest. Whether you’re planting in a garden, containers, or potato bags, understanding how to select the best seed potatoes will help you achieve excellent results.

This guide covers everything you need to know about buying seed potatoes, including where to purchase them, what to look for, and tips for planting and growing your potatoes.

Why Buy Seed Potatoes?

1. Certified Disease-Free:
   • Seed potatoes are specially grown to minimize the risk of introducing diseases like blight and scab.
2. Reliable Growth:
   • Seed potatoes are bred for consistent yields and high-quality crops.
3. Wide Variety of Options:
   • Choose from early new potatoes, maincrop varieties for storage, or waxy salad potatoes.
4. Versatile Growing Choices:
   • Suitable for growing in gardens, containers, or small spaces like patios.

Where to Buy Seed Potatoes

1. Garden Centres and Nurseries

• Local garden centres often stock a wide range of seed potatoes during the planting season (January–April).
• Benefits:
  • Inspect the tubers for quality in person.
  • Expert staff can recommend varieties suited to your region.

2. Online Retailers

• Websites like Suttons, Thompson & Morgan, Marshalls, and Dobies offer a vast selection of seed potatoes.
• Benefits:
  • Convenient delivery to your doorstep.
  • Access to heritage and organic varieties.

3. Farmers’ Markets

• Many farmers’ markets sell fresh, regionally-suited seed potatoes, including unique or heritage varieties.
• Benefits:
  • Support local growers.
  • Discover rare and heirloom varieties.

4. Allotment Shops

• Allotment stores often sell seed potatoes at affordable prices tailored to local growing conditions.
• Benefits:
  • Affordable and regionally adapted options.

5. Agricultural Suppliers

• Agricultural stores are ideal for bulk purchases and certified seed potatoes.
• Benefits:
  • Cost-effective for larger planting areas.

What to Look for When Buying Seed Potatoes

1. Certified Disease-Free:
   • Look for labels indicating the seed potatoes are certified by a trusted authority.
2. Firm and Healthy Tubers:
   • Choose seed potatoes that are firm, free of blemishes, and without signs of mold or rot.
3. Visible Eyes:
   • Ensure the seed potatoes have visible “eyes” or sprouts to promote healthy growth.
4. Appropriate Variety:
   • Select varieties based on your desired harvest time and intended use.
5. Quantity:
   • Purchase the right amount based on the space you have for planting.

Popular Seed Potato Varieties

1. First Early Potatoes

• Best For: Early harvests and tender new potatoes.
• Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
• Planting Time: Late February to early March.
• Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.

2. Second Early Potatoes

• Best For: Mid-season crops and salads.
• Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
• Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
• Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

• Best For: Large harvests and storage.
• Examples: Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree.
• Planting Time: Late March to early April.
• Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.

4. Salad Potatoes

• Best For: Waxy potatoes perfect for salads and side dishes.
• Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.
• Planting Time: Mid-March.
• Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.

When to Buy Seed Potatoes

• January to February: Ideal time to buy seed potatoes to start chitting before planting season.
• March to April: Planting season begins, making this the perfect time to purchase and plant seed potatoes.

How to Prepare Seed Potatoes for Planting

1. Chitting (Optional but Recommended):

• Start chitting 4–6 weeks before planting, typically in January or February.
• Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot with the eyes (sprouting points) facing upward.
• Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Preparing the Soil:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
• Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

Planting Seed Potatoes

1. In the Ground:

1. Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
2. Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
3. Space seed potatoes as follows:
   • First and second earlies: 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
   • Maincrop: 40 cm apart with rows 75 cm apart.
4. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

2. In Containers or Bags:

1. Fill the container or potato bag with 10 cm of soil or compost.
2. Place 3–5 seed potatoes evenly spaced on the surface.
3. Cover with another 10 cm of soil and water lightly.
4. Add more soil as the plants grow, leaving the top leaves exposed.

Caring for Seed Potatoes

1. Watering:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
2. Earthing Up:
   • Mound soil or compost around the stems as the plants grow to protect tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.
3. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Rotate crops annually and use organic pest control methods to reduce the risk of diseases and pests.

Harvesting Seed Potatoes

1. First and Second Earlies:
   • Harvest 10–15 weeks after planting when plants flower or foliage begins to yellow.
2. Maincrop Potatoes:
   • Wait until the foliage dies back completely, around 18–20 weeks after planting.

Top 10 Questions About Buying Seed Potatoes

1. What are seed potatoes?

Seed potatoes are certified disease-free tubers used for planting and growing potato crops.

2. Where can I buy seed potatoes?

You can buy seed potatoes at garden centres, online retailers, farmers’ markets, and agricultural suppliers.

3. When should I buy seed potatoes?

Purchase seed potatoes in January or February to prepare them for planting in spring.

4. What should I look for when buying seed potatoes?

Choose firm, healthy, and certified disease-free tubers with visible eyes for sprouting.

5. Can I grow seed potatoes in containers?

Yes, seed potatoes thrive in containers or potato bags with proper soil depth and drainage.

6. How do I store seed potatoes before planting?

Store them in a cool, dark, and ventilated place to prevent premature sprouting.

7. How many seed potatoes do I need?

One seed potato typically produces 6–10 tubers. Calculate based on your planting space.

8. Are seed potatoes resistant to blight?

Some varieties, such as Sarpo Mira and Kestrel, are bred to be resistant to blight.

9. Can I grow potatoes from supermarket tubers?

It’s not recommended, as supermarket potatoes may carry diseases or have been treated to prevent sprouting.

10. What are the best seed potato varieties for beginners?

Swift, Rocket, and Charlotte are excellent choices for beginner gardeners.

Conclusion

Buying seed potatoes is the first step in growing a productive and healthy potato crop. By purchasing certified disease-free tubers and choosing the right variety for your needs, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown potatoes. Whether you buy from a garden centre, online retailer, or farmers’ market, seed potatoes are an essential investment for successful gardening.