Seed Potatoes UK: A Guide to Buying, Planting, and Growing

Seed potatoes are the foundation of a successful and healthy potato crop. In the UK, they are a popular choice for gardeners due to their versatility, ease of growth, and variety of types available. Whether you’re looking to grow early new potatoes, maincrop varieties for storage, or waxy salad potatoes, understanding the process of selecting and planting seed potatoes is essential.

This guide covers everything you need to know about seed potatoes in the UK, including where to buy them, how to plant and care for them, and tips for a bountiful harvest.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are specially grown and certified disease-free tubers used for planting. Unlike regular potatoes, they are bred for reliable growth, high yields, and disease resistance.

Key Features

Certified Disease-Free: Reduces the risk of introducing blight, scab, or other diseases to your garden.
Available Varieties: Includes early, maincrop, and salad potatoes.
Sprouting Ready: Often pre-sprouted (chitted) or ready for chitting.

Popular Seed Potato Varieties in the UK

1. First Early Potatoes

Rocket: Extremely fast-growing with smooth, white-skinned tubers.
Swift: One of the quickest-maturing varieties, perfect for containers.
Arran Pilot: A traditional UK favorite known for its flavor.
Planting Time: Late February to early March.
Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.

2. Second Early Potatoes

Charlotte: A waxy salad potato with excellent flavor.
Kestrel: Resistant to disease and perfect for roasting and boiling.
Maris Peer: Smooth-skinned and ideal for salads.
Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

Maris Piper: A UK staple for roasting and chips.
King Edward: Known for its fluffy texture and delicious flavor.
Desiree: A versatile red-skinned variety for boiling or roasting.
Planting Time: Late March to early April.
Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.

4. Salad Potatoes

Pink Fir Apple: A heritage variety with a nutty flavor.
Nicola: Golden-skinned with a buttery taste.
Ratte: A French variety with excellent texture and flavor.
Planting Time: Mid-March.
Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.

Where to Buy Seed Potatoes in the UK

1. Garden Centres and Nurseries

Most garden centres stock seed potatoes in January and February.
Benefits: Inspect tubers in person and get expert advice.

2. Online Retailers

Websites like Suttons, Dobies, Marshalls, and Thompson & Morgan offer a wide range of varieties.
Benefits: Convenient and often more variety than local shops.

3. Farmers’ Markets

Local markets may stock heritage or organic seed potatoes.
Benefits: Support local farmers and discover unique varieties.

4. Allotment Shops

Allotment stores often sell affordable seed potatoes suited to regional conditions.
Benefits: Tailored to local growing environments.

5. Agricultural Suppliers

Great for bulk purchases and reliable certified seed potatoes.

When to Plant Seed Potatoes in the UK

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

Considerations:

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:
- 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.
Remove weeds and loosen the soil to improve aeration.

3. Planting in the Ground

Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
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.
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 Seed Potatoes

1. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.

2. Earthing Up

Mound soil or compost around the stems as plants grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.

3. Fertilizing

Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Rotate crops annually to reduce the risk of blight and other diseases.
Protect against 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 Growing Seed Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

Cause: Planting too early or unexpected frost.
Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants.

2. Blight

Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
Solution: Choose blight-resistant varieties and ensure good airflow between plants.

3. Green Potatoes

Cause: Tubers exposed to sunlight.
Solution: Regularly earth up soil around plants to cover exposed tubers.

Conclusion

Seed potatoes are the backbone of a successful potato crop in the UK. With a wide variety of types available, you can grow everything from fluffy maincrop potatoes to waxy salad varieties. By choosing certified seed potatoes, planting at the right time, and providing proper care, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown potatoes.