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.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Transplant:
   • Move strong seedlings to small pots, then harden off and plant outside after the last frost.
4. Grow On:
   • Care as for regular potatoes: water, feed, and earth up.
5. 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.”

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