Can You Plant Old Potatoes That Have Sprouted?

Old potatoes that have started to sprout often raise the question of whether they can still be planted rather than thrown away. The short answer is yes — sprouted potatoes can grow — but there are important factors to consider before planting them in your garden or allotment.

⭐ Recommended Products — Seed Potatoes & Planting Essentials

• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
A mixed pack of quality seed potatoes to plant for a steady harvest from early summer through to autumn. Ideal if you want variety in size and maturity times.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
Choose popular individual varieties (e.g., Maris Piper, Charlotte, King Edward) to suit your taste and growing goals — consistent results from true seed stock.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
👉 Click here to see top options

Are Sprouted Potatoes Still Viable?

Sprouting is a natural process and shows that the potato is still alive. As long as the potato is:

• Firm (not soft or mushy)
• Free from mould or rot
• Not excessively shrivelled

it can usually be planted and will produce a potato plant.

The Risks of Planting Old Sprouted Potatoes

Although sprouted potatoes can grow, they are not always the best choice.

• Disease risk: Old potatoes may carry blight, viruses, or other soil-borne diseases
• Reduced vigour: Very old or shrivelled potatoes often produce weaker plants
• Lower yields: Energy may already be depleted, resulting in fewer tubers
• Allotment restrictions: Many allotments ban non-certified potatoes

These risks increase the longer the potatoes have been stored.

When Sprouted Potatoes Are More Likely to Succeed

Sprouted potatoes are more likely to perform well if:

• Sprouts are short, thick, and healthy
• Tubers are firm and heavy for their size
• They have been stored in cool, dry conditions
• They are grown in containers or grow bags

Organic potatoes are often a safer option than heavily treated ones.

How to Plant Old Sprouted Potatoes Safely

If you decide to plant them, follow these steps to reduce problems:

• Discard any potatoes with mould, rot, or a bad smell
• Allow long, pale sprouts to green up in the light
• Plant in containers rather than open soil
• Space well to encourage airflow
• Remove and destroy plants immediately if disease appears

Do not compost plants or tubers showing signs of disease.

Sprouted Potatoes vs Seed Potatoes

Certified seed potatoes are specifically grown for planting and offer:

• Reliable disease-free stock
• Stronger, more even growth
• Higher yields
• Protection for long-term soil health

While sprouted potatoes can work, seed potatoes remain the safest and most productive option.

Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?

Sprouted potatoes that have turned green or taste bitter should not be eaten due to solanine buildup. If they are unsafe to eat, they are also less suitable for planting.

Final Thoughts

You can plant old potatoes that have sprouted, but success is not guaranteed. While they may grow and produce a crop, the risks of disease and reduced yields are higher than with certified seed potatoes. For experiments or container growing they can be worth a try, but for consistent results, seed potatoes are always the better choice.