Growing Seed Potatoes: A Complete Guide for a Healthy Harvest

Growing seed potatoes is a rewarding and straightforward gardening activity that ensures a healthy and productive crop. Seed potatoes, which are specially grown and certified disease-free tubers, are essential for planting and growing high-quality potato plants. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, containers, or potato bags, understanding how to grow seed potatoes properly is key to success.

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

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are small tubers specifically grown and certified for planting. Unlike supermarket potatoes, seed potatoes are disease-free and bred for reliable growth, high yields, and quality crops.

Key Features of Seed Potatoes

Certified Disease-Free: Reduces the risk of blight, scab, and other potato diseases.
Sprouting Ready: Pre-chitted or prepared for chitting.
Wide Variety Options: Includes early, maincrop, and salad potato varieties.

Popular Seed Potato Varieties

1. First Early Seed Potatoes

Best For: Early harvests and tender new potatoes.
Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
Planting Time: Late February to early March.
Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.

2. Second Early Seed Potatoes

Best For: Salads and mid-season meals.
Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.

3. Maincrop Seed Potatoes

Best For: Large harvests and long-term storage.
Examples: Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree.
Planting Time: Late March to early April.
Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.

4. Salad Seed Potatoes

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

When to Plant Seed Potatoes

First Earlies: Late February to early March.
Second Earlies: Mid-to-late March.
Maincrop: Late March to early April.

Considerations for Planting:

Plant seed potatoes when the soil is frost-free and has warmed to at least 7°C (45°F).
Use cloches or fleece to protect early plantings from frost.

How to Grow Seed Potatoes: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Seed Potatoes

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

2. Prepare the Soil

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

3. Planting in the Ground

Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
Space seed potatoes:
- First and second earlies: 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
- Maincrop: 40 cm apart with rows 75 cm apart.
Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

4. Planting in Containers or Bags

Fill the container or potato bag with 10 cm of soil or compost.
Place 3–5 seed potatoes evenly spaced on the surface.
Cover with another 10 cm of soil and water lightly.
Add more soil as the plants grow, leaving the top leaves exposed.

Caring for Seed Potatoes

1. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot.

2. Earthing Up

As the 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. Pest and Disease Management

Rotate crops annually to reduce the risk of blight and other diseases.
Protect against pests like slugs, wireworms, and aphids using organic methods.

5. Frost Protection

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

Harvesting Seed Potatoes

1. First and Second Earlies

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

2. Maincrop Potatoes

Wait until the foliage dies back completely, around 18–20 weeks after planting.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers, taking care not to damage them.

Storing Potatoes

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

Common Challenges When Growing Seed Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

Cause: Planting too early or unexpected late frosts.
Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants.

2. Poor Sprouting

Cause: Low-quality seed potatoes or improper storage.
Solution: Use certified seed potatoes and start chitting early.

3. Blight

Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
Solution: Plant resistant varieties and ensure good airflow between plants.

Tips for Growing Seed Potatoes Successfully

Start Early: Begin chitting in late winter to prepare seed potatoes for planting.
Choose the Right Variety: Match your potato type to your desired harvest time and culinary preferences.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Protect from Frost: Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

Conclusion

Growing seed potatoes is a simple and rewarding activity that yields a delicious and versatile crop. By selecting certified seed potatoes, preparing your soil, and planting at the right time, you can enjoy a healthy and abundant harvest. Whether you’re growing in a garden, container, or potato bag, seed potatoes are a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels.