How to Grow Bigger Potatoes

Growing bigger potatoes is about encouraging fewer but larger tubers rather than lots of small ones. With the right variety choice, soil preparation, and growing techniques, you can significantly increase potato size and overall harvest quality.

⭐ 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.
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• 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.
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
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• 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.
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• 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

Choose Varieties Known for Large Tubers

Not all potato varieties grow large.

• Maincrop varieties typically produce bigger potatoes
• Varieties bred for baking and roasting grow larger tubers
• Disease-resistant varieties stay productive longer

Starting with the right variety makes a big difference.

Prepare Deep, Loose Soil

Potatoes need space to expand.

• Dig soil deeply before planting
• Add plenty of organic matter
• Avoid compacted or heavy ground

Loose soil allows tubers to grow bigger without restriction.

Plant at the Correct Depth

Planting depth affects tuber size.

• Plant seed potatoes 10–15cm deep
• Shallow planting leads to small, exposed tubers
• Correct depth supports strong root systems

Good planting depth sets plants up for success.

Space Plants Generously

Crowded plants produce smaller potatoes.

• Increase spacing to encourage larger tubers
• Fewer plants mean less competition
• Wider spacing allows better nutrient access

Spacing directly influences tuber size.

Earth Up Carefully

Earthing up supports tuber growth.

• Cover stems as they grow
• Protect tubers from light
• Avoid damaging roots during earthing up

Consistent earthing up promotes strong tuber development.

Water Consistently During Tuber Formation

Watering has a major impact on potato size.

• Keep soil evenly moist
• Avoid drought stress
• Water deeply rather than little and often

Irregular watering leads to smaller, misshapen potatoes.

Feed for Tuber Growth, Not Leaves

Nutrition affects size.

• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds
• Use fertilisers rich in potassium
• Balanced feeding supports tuber bulking

Too much leaf growth reduces tuber size.

Limit Tuber Numbers Per Plant

Fewer tubers grow larger.

• Avoid excessive fertiliser early on
• Some gardeners remove excess stems
• Healthy plants naturally balance tuber numbers

Energy directed into fewer tubers increases size.

Keep Plants Healthy Late in the Season

Late-season care boosts size.

• Continue watering until foliage yellows
• Protect plants from disease
• Allow tubers time to bulk up fully

Patience leads to bigger potatoes.

Harvest at the Right Time

Timing matters for size.

• Early harvesting limits tuber growth
• Leave maincrop potatoes in the ground longer
• Harvest after foliage dies back

Later harvesting allows maximum bulking.

Final Thoughts

To grow bigger potatoes, focus on variety choice, soil quality, generous spacing, consistent watering, and balanced feeding. Encourage steady growth and give plants time to mature fully. With the right approach, your potato plants will produce fewer but much larger, high-quality tubers.