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

Buying seed potatoes is the first step to growing a successful potato crop. Seed potatoes are specially grown, certified disease-free tubers that ensure healthy plants and abundant yields. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, selecting high-quality seed potatoes and the right variety for your needs is crucial for achieving a productive harvest.

This guide explains everything you need to know about buying seed potatoes, including where to find them, what to look for, and tips for choosing the best varieties for your garden.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are small tubers specifically grown for planting. Unlike regular potatoes, they are certified disease-free to guarantee healthy growth and high yields.

Key Features

• Certified Disease-Free: Inspected to be free of common potato diseases like blight and scab.
• Ready to Grow: Pre-sprouted or easy to chit for planting.
• Variety Options: Available in early, maincrop, and salad types.

Why Buy Seed Potatoes?

1. Guaranteed Quality
   • Certified seed potatoes reduce the risk of introducing diseases into your garden.
2. Reliable Yields
   • Seed potatoes are bred for consistent growth and high productivity.
3. Wide Variety Selection
   • Choose from numerous potato types to suit your preferences and growing conditions.
4. Adaptable to Any Space
   • Seed potatoes grow well in garden beds, containers, and potato bags.

Types of Seed Potatoes

1. First Early Potatoes
   • Planting Time: Late February to early March.
   • Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.
   • Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
   • Ideal For: Early harvests and new potatoes.
2. Second Early Potatoes
   • Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
   • Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.
   • Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
   • Ideal For: Salads and mid-season crops.
3. Maincrop Potatoes
   • Planting Time: Late March to early April.
   • Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.
   • Examples: Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree.
   • Ideal For: Storage and large harvests.
4. Salad Potatoes
   • Planting Time: Mid-March.
   • Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
   • Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.
   • Ideal For: Waxy-textured potatoes for salads and side dishes.

Where to Buy Seed Potatoes

1. Garden Centres

• Widely available in most UK garden stores during the planting season.
• Advantages: In-person selection and advice from staff.

2. Online Retailers

• Websites like Suttons Seeds, Thompson & Morgan, Marshalls, and Dobies offer extensive options.
• Advantages: Convenient shopping and home delivery.

3. Local Allotment Shops

• Local allotments often stock seed potatoes suited to your region’s growing conditions.
• Advantages: Affordable prices and local expertise.

4. Farmers’ Markets

• Seasonal markets may offer unique and locally grown seed potato varieties.
• Advantages: Support local growers and discover regional favorites.

What to Look for When Buying Seed Potatoes

1. Certified Disease-Free
   • Ensure the seed potatoes are certified by a reputable authority, such as DEFRA in the UK.
2. Firm and Healthy Tubers
   • Look for firm, plump potatoes without soft spots or blemishes.
3. Sprouting Potential
   • Choose potatoes with visible “eyes” ready for sprouting.
4. Variety Suitability
   • Select a variety that matches your planting season, climate, and intended use (e.g., salads, roasting, or storage).

When to Buy Seed Potatoes

• January to February: Purchase early in the year to ensure the best selection.
• March to April: Buy seed potatoes for immediate planting during the main growing season.
• August to September: Look for overwintering varieties for autumn planting.

How to Prepare Seed Potatoes for Planting

1. Chitting

• Start chitting seed potatoes 4–6 weeks before planting.
  • Place the seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot with the eyes (buds) facing up.
  • Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Soil Preparation

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.

Tips for Buying Seed Potatoes

1. Buy Early: Purchase seed potatoes as soon as they become available to access the best varieties.
2. Select Fresh Tubers: Avoid wrinkled or damaged potatoes, as these may not grow well.
3. Consider Your Space: Choose varieties suitable for your available planting space, whether in-ground, containers, or bags.
4. Check Certifications: Ensure the seed potatoes are certified disease-free for healthier crops.
5. Choose the Right Type: Match your variety to your planting season and culinary needs.

Caring for Seed Potatoes After Buying

1. Store Properly:
   • If you’re not planting immediately, store seed potatoes in a cool, dark, and ventilated location.
2. Start Chitting:
   • Begin the sprouting process 4–6 weeks before planting.
3. Inspect for Damage:
   • Check tubers regularly to ensure they remain firm and healthy before planting.

Common Problems When Buying Seed Potatoes

1. Limited Variety Late in the Season

• Solution: Buy early to access the best selection of seed potatoes.

2. Soft or Damaged Tubers

• Solution: Inspect potatoes carefully before purchase to ensure they are firm and healthy.

3. Unknown Certifications

• Solution: Buy from reputable sellers to ensure disease-free tubers.

Top 10 Questions About Buying Seed Potatoes

1. What are seed potatoes?

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

2. Where can I buy seed potatoes in the UK?

You can buy seed potatoes from garden centres, online retailers, allotment shops, and farmers’ markets.

3. When should I buy seed potatoes?

Buy seed potatoes in January to February for chitting and early planting.

4. How do I choose the best seed potatoes?

Look for firm, healthy tubers with visible “eyes” and ensure they are certified disease-free.

5. What are the best seed potato varieties for UK gardens?

Popular varieties include Maris Piper, King Edward, Charlotte, and Rocket.

6. How do I store seed potatoes before planting?

Store seed potatoes in a cool, dark, and ventilated location until planting.

7. Can I plant seed potatoes in containers?

Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers and potato bags with sufficient depth.

8. How long do seed potatoes take to grow?

Seed potatoes take 10–20 weeks to grow, depending on the variety.

9. Can I grow potatoes from grocery store tubers?

It’s not recommended, as grocery store potatoes may carry diseases or be treated to prevent sprouting.

10. How do I start sprouting seed potatoes?

Start chitting seed potatoes 4–6 weeks before planting by placing them in a bright, cool spot with the eyes facing up.

Conclusion

Buying seed potatoes is the first step to growing a healthy and productive potato crop. By purchasing from reputable sellers, selecting certified disease-free tubers, and choosing the right varieties for your needs, you can ensure a successful harvest. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, container, or potato bag, high-quality seed potatoes are the key to a delicious and versatile crop.