How to Plant Seed Potatoes: A Complete Guide for a Successful Harvest

Planting seed potatoes is an easy and rewarding gardening task that yields a delicious and versatile crop. Seed potatoes, which are specially grown and certified disease-free tubers, are the starting point for a healthy potato harvest. Whether you’re planting in a garden, container, or potato bag, understanding the right planting techniques will help you grow a productive and healthy crop.

This guide covers everything you need to know about planting seed potatoes, including preparation, planting methods, and tips for care and harvesting.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are small tubers grown specifically for planting and are certified disease-free. Unlike regular potatoes, they are bred for reliable growth, high yields, and resistance to common potato diseases like blight and scab.

Key Features

• Certified Disease-Free: Reduces the risk of introducing diseases to your garden.
• Sprouting Ready: Prepared for planting after chitting.
• Available Varieties: Includes early, maincrop, and salad potatoes.

Popular 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: Storage and larger harvests.

4. Salad Potatoes

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

When to Plant Seed Potatoes

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

Factors to Consider:

• Ensure the soil is frost-free and workable before planting.
• Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants from late frosts.

How to Plant Seed Potatoes

1. Preparing the Seed Potatoes

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

2. Preparing 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

1. Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
2. Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
3. 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.
4. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

4. 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 Seed Potatoes

1. Watering

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

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. Pest and Disease Management

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

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.

Common Challenges in Planting Seed Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

• Cause: Planting too early or exposure to late frost.
• 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 Planting Seed Potatoes Successfully

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

Top 10 Questions About Planting Seed Potatoes

1. What are seed potatoes?

Seed potatoes are specially grown, disease-free tubers used for planting 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 thrive in containers or potato bags with proper soil depth and drainage.

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?

Use fleece, cloches, or a layer of soil to shield young plants from frost.

7. How do I prevent potato blight?

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

10. Can I grow potatoes from supermarket tubers?

It’s not recommended, as supermarket potatoes may carry diseases and are often treated to prevent sprouting.

Conclusion

Planting seed potatoes is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and versatile crop. By choosing certified seed potatoes, preparing your soil, and planting at the right time, you can ensure a healthy and productive harvest. Whether you’re growing in a garden bed, container, or potato bag, planting seed potatoes is a rewarding gardening activity for any skill level.