Growing Potatoes from True Potato Seeds (TPS)
Growing potatoes from true seeds—not tubers—is a fascinating way to breed new varieties and save money. While it’s more challenging than planting tubers, it offers genetic diversity, disease avoidance, and a rewarding experience for gardeners who love an experiment.
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What Are True Potato Seeds (TPS)?
- TPS are the actual seeds produced inside potato fruits (berries) that sometimes form after potatoes flower.
- Unlike seed potatoes (tubers), TPS grow into completely new plants—like planting apple seeds instead of grafted trees.
- Each TPS plant is genetically unique!
Advantages of TPS
- Genetic Diversity:
Every plant is different—potential for disease resistance, color, shape, and new flavors. - Disease-Free Start:
Avoids soil-borne diseases often carried by tubers. - Seed Storage:
True seeds are smaller, store easily, and keep for years.
Challenges of TPS
- Longer to Mature:
TPS-grown potatoes take longer (often a full season or more) and commonly yield smaller tubers the first year. - Variation:
Crops aren’t uniform—tubers may differ widely in color, shape, and size. - Extra Steps:
TPS seedlings need to be started early indoors and transplanted out after frost.
How to Grow Potatoes from TPS
- Collect Seeds:
- Only some varieties set berries. Wait until berries are fully ripe, then mash and ferment the pulp for a few days, rinse seeds, and dry.
- Start Indoors:
- Sow TPS thinly in trays 10–12 weeks before last frost. Cover lightly, keep moist, and provide warmth (18–22°C/65–72°F).
- Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle.
- Transplant:
- Move strong seedlings to small pots, then harden off and plant outside after the last frost.
- Grow On:
- Care as for regular potatoes: water, feed, and earth up.
- Select Best Plants:
- Harvest tubers in late summer/autumn. Save favorites to replant as tubers next season—this stabilizes your new variety!
Tips for Success
- Start more seedlings than you need; select the healthiest to plant out.
- Save seed from the best plants each year to gradually improve your own strain.
Is TPS for Beginners?
- Not recommended for brand-new grower—but a perfect project for enthusiasts ready to experiment and breed their own “potato originals.”