Growing Seed Potatoes: A Complete Guide for a Healthy and Abundant Harvest

Growing seed potatoes is a rewarding gardening activity that yields fresh, delicious potatoes for months. Seed potatoes, which are certified disease-free tubers, are the key to cultivating a productive potato crop. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, container, or potato bag, growing seed potatoes correctly ensures healthy plants and a bountiful harvest.

This guide provides everything you need to know about growing seed potatoes, including preparation, planting, care, and harvesting.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

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

Key Features

• Certified Disease-Free: Minimizes the risk of blight, scab, and other diseases.
• Variety Selection: Available in a wide range of types, including early, maincrop, and salad potatoes.
• Reliable Growth: Produce consistent and high-quality yields.

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.
• Best 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.
• Best 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.
• Best For: Large harvests and long-term storage.

4. Salad Potatoes

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

When to Plant Seed Potatoes

1. First Earlies

• Plant from late February to early March for early harvests.

2. Second Earlies

• Plant from mid-to-late March, ideal for mid-season crops.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

• Plant from late March to early April for larger, storage-friendly tubers.

How to Prepare Seed Potatoes for Growing

1. Chitting (Optional but Recommended)

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

2. Soil Preparation

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

How to Plant Seed Potatoes

1. Planting in the Ground

1. Dig trenches or individual holes about 10 cm deep.
2. Place seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
3. Cover with soil, leaving a slight mound to protect against frost.
4. Space seed potatoes as follows:
   • First and second earlies: 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
   • Maincrop potatoes: 40 cm apart with rows 75 cm apart.

2. Planting 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 Growing Potato Plants

1. Watering

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.

2. Earthing Up

• As plants grow, mound soil or compost around the stems to protect developing tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.

3. Fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth to encourage healthy plants.

4. Frost Protection

• Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

5. Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Protect plants from slugs, wireworms, and aphids using organic pest control methods.
• Diseases: Use certified seed potatoes and rotate crops annually to prevent blight and scab.

Harvesting Potatoes

1. First and Second Earlies

• Harvest when plants flower or the foliage begins to yellow, typically 10–15 weeks after planting.

2. Maincrop Potatoes

• Wait until the foliage dies back completely, around 18–20 weeks after planting.
• Use a garden fork to lift the tubers gently to avoid damage.

Storing Potatoes

1. Curing:
   • Dry harvested potatoes in a dark, cool, and dry place for 1–2 weeks.
2. Storage:
   • Store cured potatoes in a well-ventilated, dark location to prevent sprouting and greening.

Common Problems When Growing Seed Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

• Cause: Planting too early or exposure to unexpected frost.
• Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect plants and avoid planting too early.

2. Blight

• Cause: Wet, humid conditions during the growing season.
• Solution: Plant blight-resistant varieties and ensure good airflow around plants.

3. Green Potatoes

• Cause: Tubers exposed to sunlight.
• Solution: Regularly earth up soil around plants to cover exposed tubers.

Tips for Growing Seed Potatoes Successfully

1. Start Early: Begin chitting in late winter for a head start on the growing season.
2. Choose the Right Variety: Match your seed potatoes to your preferred harvest time and culinary needs.
3. Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to reduce the risk of disease.
4. Monitor Moisture Levels: Keep the soil moist but not overly wet during the growing season.
5. Protect from Frost: Cover young plants if frost is forecast.

Top 10 Questions About Growing Seed Potatoes

1. What are seed potatoes?

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

2. When should I start chitting seed potatoes?

Start chitting 4–6 weeks before planting, typically in January or February.

3. How deep should I plant seed potatoes?

Plant seed potatoes about 10 cm deep.

4. Can I grow seed potatoes in containers?

Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers or potato bags with proper soil depth.

5. How far apart should seed potatoes be spaced?

Space first and second earlies 30 cm apart and maincrop potatoes 40 cm apart.

6. How do I protect seed potatoes from frost?

Cover young plants with fleece, cloches, or soil to shield them from frost.

7. How do I prevent potato blight?

Use blight-resistant varieties, ensure good airflow, and avoid overhead watering.

8. When should I harvest first early potatoes?

Harvest first earlies 10–12 weeks after planting when the plants flower.

9. How do I store harvested potatoes?

Cure them in a dark, dry place for 1–2 weeks, then store in a cool, ventilated area.

10. Can I use supermarket potatoes to grow plants?

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

Conclusion

Growing seed potatoes is a straightforward and rewarding process that provides a versatile and delicious crop. By selecting the right varieties, preparing your soil, and following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy a healthy and productive harvest. Whether you’re planting in a garden, container, or potato bag, growing seed potatoes is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.