Seed Potatoes for Sale: A Guide to Choosing and Buying the Best Varieties

Finding high-quality seed potatoes for sale is the first step to growing a successful potato crop. Seed potatoes are specially grown, certified disease-free tubers that ensure healthy plants and abundant yields. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, container, or potato bag, selecting the right seed potatoes is crucial for achieving the best results.

This guide explores everything you need to know about buying seed potatoes, from where to find them to choosing the best varieties for your needs.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are small, certified tubers specifically grown for planting. They are not seeds in the traditional sense but are used to grow new potato plants.

Key Features

• Certified Disease-Free: Seed potatoes are inspected to ensure they are free from diseases like blight and scab.
• Ready to Grow: They sprout easily and grow into productive potato plants.
• Variety Options: Available in a wide range of types, including early, maincrop, and salad potatoes.

Benefits of Buying Seed Potatoes

1. Guaranteed Quality
   • Certified seed potatoes are grown under strict conditions to ensure healthy plants.
2. Wide Variety
   • Access a broad selection of potato types to suit your preferences, from fluffy baking potatoes to waxy salad potatoes.
3. Reliable Yields
   • Seed potatoes are bred for consistency and high productivity.
4. Disease Resistance
   • Many seed potatoes are naturally resistant to common potato diseases.

Types of Seed Potatoes for Sale

1. First Early Potatoes
   • Planting Time: Late February to early March.
   • Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.
   • Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
   • Ideal 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.
   • Ideal 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.
   • Ideal For: Storage and large harvests.
4. Salad Potatoes
   • Planting Time: Mid-March.
   • Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
   • Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.
   • Ideal For: Waxy-textured potatoes for salads and cooking.

Where to Buy Seed Potatoes

1. Garden Centres

• Most UK garden centres stock a wide variety of seed potatoes during the planting season.
• Advantages: In-person selection and expert advice.

2. Online Retailers

• Websites like Suttons Seeds, Thompson & Morgan, Marshalls, and Dobies offer extensive options.
• Advantages: Convenient shopping and home delivery.

3. Local Allotment Stores

• Allotment shops often sell seed potatoes suited to local growing conditions.
• Advantages: Affordable prices and local expertise.

4. Farmers’ Markets

• Seasonal seed potato sales are common at farmers’ markets.
• Advantages: Support local growers and access unique varieties.

What to Look for When Buying Seed Potatoes

1. Certified Disease-Free
   • Ensure the seed potatoes are certified by a reputable authority, such as DEFRA in the UK.
2. Firm and Healthy Tubers
   • Look for firm, plump potatoes without soft spots or blemishes.
3. Sprouting Potential
   • Choose potatoes with visible “eyes” that are ready to sprout.
4. Variety Suitability
   • Select varieties based on your planting season, climate, and culinary preferences.

When to Buy Seed Potatoes

• January to February: Start buying seed potatoes early in the year to ensure the best selection.
• March to April: Purchase seed potatoes for immediate planting in spring.
• August to September: Look for overwintering varieties for autumn planting.

Preparing Seed Potatoes for Planting

1. Chitting

• Start chitting seed potatoes 4–6 weeks before planting.
  • Place them in a cool, bright spot with the eyes facing upward.
  • Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Soil Preparation

• Ensure the planting area is sunny with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

Caring for Seed Potatoes

1. Watering:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
2. Earthing Up:
   • Mound soil or compost around the stems as the plants grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight.
3. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Use resistant varieties and rotate crops to prevent common issues like blight and scab.

Harvesting Potatoes

1. First and Second Earlies:
   • Harvest 10–15 weeks after planting when plants flower or foliage yellows.
2. Maincrop Potatoes:
   • Harvest 18–20 weeks after planting when foliage dies back.

Top 10 Questions About Seed Potatoes for Sale

1. What are seed potatoes?

Seed potatoes are small, certified disease-free tubers used for planting and growing potato crops.

2. Where can I buy seed potatoes in the UK?

You can buy seed potatoes from garden centres, online retailers, allotment stores, and farmers’ markets.

3. When should I buy seed potatoes?

Buy seed potatoes in January to February for chitting and early planting.

4. How do I choose the best seed potatoes?

Look for firm, healthy tubers with visible “eyes” and choose certified disease-free options.

5. What are the best seed potato varieties for UK gardens?

Popular varieties include Maris Piper, King Edward, Charlotte, and Rocket.

6. How long do seed potatoes take to grow?

Seed potatoes take 10–20 weeks to grow, depending on the variety.

7. Can I grow seed potatoes in containers?

Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers and potato bags with sufficient depth.

8. How do I prevent potato blight?

Use resistant varieties, ensure good airflow, and avoid overhead watering.

9. Can I plant grocery store potatoes instead of seed potatoes?

It’s not recommended, as grocery store potatoes may carry diseases or be treated to prevent sprouting.

10. How many potatoes will one seed potato produce?

Each seed potato typically produces 8–10 tubers, depending on growing conditions.

Conclusion

Finding the right seed potatoes for sale is the first step to growing a healthy and productive potato crop. By selecting certified disease-free tubers, choosing suitable varieties, and preparing them for planting, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown potatoes. Whether you shop at garden centres, online, or local markets, the perfect seed potatoes are just a purchase away.