Seed Potatoes UK: A Complete Guide to Planting and Growing

Seed potatoes are an essential part of growing your own potato crop, offering a simple and reliable way to enjoy homegrown potatoes in the UK. Unlike regular potatoes, seed potatoes are certified disease-free and specially grown for planting, ensuring healthy plants and abundant yields. Whether you prefer classic varieties or newer, innovative ones, seed potatoes make it easy to grow potatoes in your garden or containers.

This guide explains everything you need to know about seed potatoes in the UK, from selecting the right varieties to planting, caring for, and harvesting your crop.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Definition

Seed potatoes are small, specially grown potatoes certified as disease-free and used for planting. They are not seeds in the traditional sense but are whole or cut potato tubers.

Key Features

• Certified Disease-Free: Ensures healthier plants and better yields.
• Pre-Sprouted (Chitted): Many seed potatoes are sold ready to sprout for faster growth.
• Available Varieties: Includes early, second early, and maincrop potatoes.

Types of Seed Potatoes

1. First Early Potatoes:
   • Planting Time: Late February to early March.
   • Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.
   • Popular Varieties: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
2. Second Early Potatoes:
   • Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
   • Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.
   • Popular Varieties: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
3. Maincrop Potatoes:
   • Planting Time: Late March to early April.
   • Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.
   • Popular Varieties: King Edward, Maris Piper, Desiree.
4. Salad Potatoes:
   • Planting Time: Mid-March.
   • Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
   • Popular Varieties: Pink Fir Apple, Ratte, Nicola.

When to Plant Seed Potatoes in the UK

1. First Earlies

• Plant from late February to early March.
• Ideal for regions with mild winters or early protection using cloches or fleece.

2. Second Earlies

• Plant from mid-to-late March.
• Suitable for gardens across the UK.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

• Plant from late March to early April.
• Require a longer growing season but produce larger yields.

How to Plant Seed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes (Chitting)

• When to Start Chitting: Begin 4–6 weeks before planting, usually in January or February.
• How to Chit Potatoes:
  1. Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright location with the eyes facing up.
  2. Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
• Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.

3. Planting Seed Potatoes

1. Dig trenches or individual holes about 10 cm deep.
2. Place seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
3. Space seed potatoes 30 cm apart for earlies and 40 cm apart for maincrop varieties, with rows 60 cm apart.
4. Cover the potatoes with soil and water well.

Caring for Potato Plants

1. Watering

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

2. Earthing Up

• As the plants grow, mound soil around the stems to protect developing tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.

3. Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth for healthy plants.

4. Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: Watch for potato blight and slugs. Use resistant varieties and remove infected plants promptly.
• Common Diseases: Prevent scab by ensuring consistent soil moisture and using certified seed potatoes.

Harvesting Seed Potatoes

1. First and Second Earlies

• Harvest when the 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 fork to lift the tubers gently to avoid damage.

3. Storage

• Cure harvested potatoes in a dark, cool, and dry place for 1–2 weeks.
• Store cured potatoes in a well-ventilated, dark area to prevent sprouting.

Where to Buy Seed Potatoes in the UK

1. Garden Centres: Widely available in most UK garden stores during the planting season.
2. Online Retailers: Websites like Suttons Seeds, Thompson & Morgan, and Marshalls offer a variety of seed potatoes.
3. Local Allotment Stores: Often stock seed potatoes well-suited to local growing conditions.

Tips for Growing Seed Potatoes in the UK

1. Start Chitting Early: Begin chitting in late winter for a head start.
2. Choose the Right Variety: Select potatoes based on your desired harvest time and culinary preferences.
3. Protect from Frost: Use fleece or cloches to shield young plants from late frosts.
4. Rotate Crops Annually: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot to reduce disease risks.
5. Monitor for Blight: Use resistant varieties and ensure good airflow to prevent potato blight.

Common Problems with Seed Potatoes

1. Blight

• Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
• Solution: Use resistant varieties and spray with fungicide if necessary.

2. Green Potatoes

• Cause: Tubers exposed to sunlight.
• Solution: Earth up plants to cover developing tubers.

3. Poor Yield

• Cause: Poor soil fertility or inconsistent watering.
• Solution: Enrich the soil before planting and water regularly.

Top 10 Questions About Seed Potatoes in the UK

1. What are seed potatoes?

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

2. When should I plant seed potatoes in the UK?

Plant first earlies in late February, second earlies in mid-March, and maincrops in late March to early April.

3. How deep should I plant seed potatoes?

Plant seed potatoes about 10 cm deep.

4. Do I need to chit seed potatoes?

Chitting is recommended for faster sprouting and earlier growth.

5. Can I grow seed potatoes in containers?

Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers or potato bags with proper soil depth.

6. How far apart should seed potatoes be spaced?

Space seed potatoes 30–40 cm apart, depending on the variety.

7. How do I prevent potato blight?

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

8. What’s the difference between seed potatoes and regular potatoes?

Seed potatoes are certified disease-free and specifically grown for planting, unlike regular potatoes.

9. Can I plant leftover grocery store potatoes?

It’s not recommended, as they may carry diseases or have been treated to prevent sprouting.

10. How do I store harvested potatoes?

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

Conclusion

Seed potatoes make it easy to grow fresh, flavorful potatoes in the UK. Whether you’re planting early, second early, or maincrop varieties, these disease-free tubers provide a reliable way to enjoy homegrown produce. By following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest that’s perfect for cooking, storing, or sharing.