How to Grow Potatoes for Storage

Growing potatoes for storage requires a slightly different approach than growing potatoes for immediate eating. The aim is to produce healthy, well-formed tubers with thick skins that store well for months without rotting or sprouting. Variety choice, timing, and careful handling all play a major role in successful long-term storage.

⭐ 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.
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Choose the Best Varieties for Storage

Maincrop potatoes are the best choice for storage, as they produce larger tubers with thicker skins and higher dry matter content.

Good storage varieties include:

• Maris Piper
• King Edward
• Desiree
• Cara
• Sarpo Mira

Avoid first early potatoes, as they are not suitable for long-term storage.

Prepare Soil for Storage Potatoes

Free-draining, fertile soil helps prevent rot and disease. Incorporate well-rotted compost before planting but avoid fresh manure, which increases the risk of scab. Remove stones and compacted areas so tubers can grow evenly without damage.

Plant at the Right Time

Plant maincrop potatoes in April in most UK areas, once soil temperatures begin to rise. Planting too early into cold, wet soil increases the risk of disease and poor establishment.

Use Certified Seed Potatoes

Always use certified seed potatoes when growing for storage. They reduce disease risk and produce healthier plants and more reliable tubers that are suitable for keeping.

Earth Up Properly

Earthing up protects developing tubers from light, frost, and pests. Well-covered tubers are less likely to green and are better protected during growth, improving storage quality.

Water Carefully Throughout the Season

Consistent watering during tuber formation is essential. Avoid waterlogging, which causes rot, and avoid drought, which leads to cracked or misshapen potatoes. Reduce watering towards the end of the season to allow skins to toughen.

Feed for Tuber Quality, Not Leaf Growth

Use a balanced fertiliser at planting. Avoid high nitrogen feeds later in the season, as excessive leafy growth delays skin set and reduces storage quality. Potassium supports strong skins and firm tubers.

Allow Foliage to Die Back Naturally

For best storage results, allow the foliage to yellow and die back completely before harvesting. This signals that tubers have finished growing and skins have thickened, making them more suitable for storage.

When to Harvest Storage Potatoes

Harvest maincrop potatoes on a dry day, ideally 10–14 days after foliage has died back. This extra time allows skins to set fully. Avoid harvesting in wet conditions whenever possible.

Handle Potatoes Gently at Harvest

Bruising and cuts greatly reduce storage life. Lift potatoes carefully and handle them as little as possible. Any damaged tubers should be set aside for immediate use rather than storage.

Curing Potatoes Before Storage

Cure potatoes by leaving them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for 7–14 days. This allows skins to harden and minor surface damage to heal, significantly improving storage life.

Best Storage Conditions

Store potatoes in:

• Cool conditions (4–7°C)
• Darkness to prevent greening
• Dry, well-ventilated containers
• Frost-free locations

Paper sacks, hessian bags, or wooden crates work well. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.

Check Stored Potatoes Regularly

Inspect stored potatoes every few weeks and remove any showing signs of rot or sprouting. One bad potato can quickly spoil the rest.

Final Thoughts

Growing potatoes for storage is about patience and preparation. By choosing the right varieties, allowing skins to mature fully, and storing them correctly, you can enjoy homegrown potatoes for many months after harvest. With careful handling and the right conditions, storage potatoes can last well into winter and beyond.