How to Seed Potatoes: A Complete Guide for Planting and Growing
Seeding potatoes, or growing potatoes from seed potatoes, is a simple and rewarding process. Unlike traditional seeds, seed potatoes are small tubers specifically grown and certified as disease-free for planting. Whether you’re growing them in your garden, containers, or potato bags, understanding how to properly seed potatoes ensures a healthy and productive crop.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to seed potatoes, from preparation and planting to care and harvesting.
What Does “Seeding Potatoes” Mean?
Seeding potatoes refers to the process of planting seed potatoes (small, certified tubers) to grow new potato plants. Seed potatoes are not seeds in the traditional sense but are specially cultivated to sprout and produce a fresh crop of potatoes.
Why Use Seed Potatoes?
1. Certified Disease-Free
- Seed potatoes are grown under strict conditions to ensure they are free of diseases like blight and scab.
2. Reliable Growth
- They produce healthy plants and consistent yields.
3. Greater Variety
- A wide range of potato types is available, including first earlies, second earlies, and maincrop varieties.
Types of Seed Potatoes
- First Early Potatoes
- Planting Time: Late February to early March.
- Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.
- Examples: Swift, Rocket, Arran Pilot.
- Second Early Potatoes
- Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
- Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.
- Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
- Maincrop Potatoes
- Planting Time: Late March to early April.
- Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.
- Examples: King Edward, Maris Piper, Desiree.
- Salad Potatoes
- Planting Time: Mid-March.
- Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
- Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.
When to Seed Potatoes
1. First Earlies
- Plant in late February to early March for an early harvest.
2. Second Earlies
- Plant in mid-to-late March, ideal for salads and lighter meals.
3. Maincrop Potatoes
- Plant in late March to early April for larger, storage-friendly tubers.
How to Seed Potatoes
1. Prepare the Seed Potatoes
- Chitting: Start chitting your seed potatoes 4–6 weeks before planting.
- Place the seed potatoes in a cool, bright location with the eyes (buds) facing up.
- 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 pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
3. Planting Seed Potatoes in the Ground
- Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
- Place seed potatoes in the trench with the sprouted eyes facing up.
- Space seed potatoes 30 cm apart for earlies and 40 cm apart for maincrops, with rows 60 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 Seeded Potatoes
1. Watering
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
2. Earthing Up
- As the plants grow, mound soil around the stems to protect tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.
3. Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth to encourage healthy plants.
4. 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 to prevent common diseases like blight and scab.
Harvesting Potatoes
1. First and Second Earlies
- Harvest when plants flower or the foliage begins to yellow, usually 10–15 weeks after planting.
2. Maincrop Potatoes
- Wait until the foliage dies back, around 18–20 weeks after planting.
- Use a garden fork to lift the tubers gently to avoid damage.
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 Problems When Seeding Potatoes
1. Poor Sprouting
- Cause: Cold or damp conditions during chitting.
- Solution: Place potatoes in a cool, bright, and well-ventilated spot.
2. Blight
- Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
- Solution: Use 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 Seeding Potatoes Successfully
- Start Chitting Early: Begin chitting in late winter to get a head start on the growing season.
- Protect Young Plants: Use fleece or cloches to shield seedlings from late frosts.
- Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to reduce disease risk.
- Monitor Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet.
- Choose the Right Variety: Select seed potatoes based on your preferred harvest time and culinary uses.
Top 10 Questions About Seeding Potatoes
1. What are seed potatoes?
Seed potatoes are small, 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. Do I need to chit seed potatoes before planting?
Chitting is optional but recommended for faster sprouting and earlier growth.
5. How far apart should seed potatoes be spaced?
Space seed potatoes 30 cm apart for earlies and 40 cm apart for maincrops.
6. Can I grow seed potatoes in containers?
Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers or potato bags with sufficient depth and drainage.
7. How do I prevent potato blight?
Use blight-resistant varieties, provide good airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
8. How do I know when to harvest potatoes?
Harvest earlies when plants flower and maincrops when the foliage dies back.
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 grocery store tubers?
It’s not recommended, as they may carry diseases or have been treated to prevent sprouting.
Conclusion
Seeding potatoes is a straightforward and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes. By starting with high-quality seed potatoes, chitting them for faster growth, and planting them at the right time, you can ensure a healthy and productive potato crop. With proper care and attention, your seeded potatoes will reward you with delicious, versatile tubers perfect for any meal.