Growing potatoes from seed is a fun and satisfying project for gardeners of all experience levels, and the crop is essential in many families. Growing potatoes from store-bought potatoes is simple, but it requires patience and effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on growing potatoes from store-bought potatoes in your garden.
Difference between growing store-bought potatoes and seed potatoes
When it comes to planting store-bought potatoes, opinions among experts are divided. Some people claim they have produced successful tubers from store-bought potatoes, while others insist that these potatoes are only suitable for eating and should not be planted. However, many potato lovers insist that you start your crop using seed potatoes. They will argue that this is the more secure option when compared to using store-bought seeds. What, however, is the difference between the two?
Simply said, seed potatoes were purposefully cultivated to be planted again. Gardeners and farmers get these tubers hoping to cultivate more of the same. Therefore, it is essential to get disease-free seed potatoes. These have passed rigorous quality control testing and received official clearance from the government. The primary argument for these potatoes is that they make crop and soil damage less likely to occur.
Without the assurance of treatment, you could unknowingly spread harmful, long-lasting infections. To treat potatoes purchased from a store, sprout inhibitors are applied. These keep potatoes from getting eyes while being kept or displayed. This obstruction can therefore reduce crop development and harvests. Remember that keeping your potatoes warmer will speed up the sprouting process.
Depending on the storage technique, the potato type, and the storage temperature, the dormancy period can last anywhere from two to three months. You should plant any store-bought potatoes that sprout. You won’t have to wait weeks for potatoes purchased at a grocery shop. Likewise, if you want to grow your potatoes, you won’t have to wait months for certified seed potatoes to arrive.
Can you grow Potatoes from store-bought Potatoes: Step-by-step process
Choose the right Potatoes: The first step to growing potatoes from store-bought potatoes is to choose the right potatoes. Not all potatoes are suitable for planting, so selecting firm and free from blemishes or soft spots is important. Look for sprouting potatoes from the eyes, as these are the best ones to use.
Cut the Potatoes: Once you have selected the right potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for planting. First, cut the potatoes into 2-3 inch pieces, ensuring each has at least one eye. Next, allow the cut pieces to air dry for a day or two, allowing the cut surfaces to callus over and prevent rot.
Plant the Potatoes: Now that the potatoes have been cut and have had time to air dry, it’s time to plant them. Potatoes can be planted in either pot or the ground. If planting in pots, use a rich, well-draining soil mix and plant the potatoes 4-6 inches deep, with the eyes facing upward. Plant the potatoes 4-6 inches deep, with the eyes facing upward.
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Water the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are planted, water them regularly. Potatoes need consistent moisture to grow and produce a good crop. However, be careful not to overwater the plants, as this can lead to rot. Instead, check the soil regularly and water only when it feels dry.
Mound the soil: Mounding the soil around the potato plants’ bases is essential as they mature. This helps to prevent the developing tubers from becoming exposed to sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and become inedible. Mound the soil every 2-3 weeks, taking care not to damage the roots of the plants.
Harvest the Potatoes: Potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to yellow and the plants start to die. Carefully dig up the plants and gently shake off any excess soil. Store the harvested potatoes in a cool, dry place for a few weeks, allowing the skins to toughen up. This will help prevent the potatoes from rotting and make them easier to store for future use.
Frequently asked questions about store-bought Potatoes
Can I plant sprouted Potatoes in winter?
Put your potatoes in the refrigerator if they are sprouting out of season. They won’t lose all their moisture and nutrients in the cold, so they’ll be ready to grow and flourish again come spring. This is the equivalent of pressing the “pause” button on their development.
Can I plant a Potato that has sprouted?
Yes, the sprouting potato can be planted and will produce additional potatoes. One sprouting potato can produce several plants and many young potatoes if cared for properly.
Can you chit supermarket Potatoes?
Chitting potatoes before planting is optional, but doing so will offer you a slightly earlier and larger yield compared to non-chitted potatoes.
How long does it take for store-bought Potatoes to sprout?
On average, it takes about 2-4 weeks for potatoes to sprout under ideal conditions. Remember that not all store-bought potatoes will sprout. Some may be treated with a sprout inhibitor to prevent them from sprouting on the shelf, so it’s important to check the label before planting. If the potatoes do not sprout, it may be necessary to purchase new, untreated potatoes for planting.
Can you grow Potatoes from store-bought organic potatoes?
Yes, you can grow potatoes from store-bought organic potatoes. Because they are not exposed to any artificial fertilizers or pesticides, organic potatoes are an excellent crop alternative. By using organic potatoes, you can be sure that your crop is free from harmful chemicals and is safe to consume.
In case you missed it: How to Start Potato Farming in the USA: A Step-by-Step Production Guide
Why should you not plant store-bought Potatoes?
The major reason is that non-certified seed potatoes found in stores can transmit dangerous potato diseases to your soil, which can be very difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate.
Conclusion
After 70 to 80 days, you can harvest most potatoes grown from certified seed. However, the time required to harvest certain kinds can exceed 120 days. For potatoes purchased from a shop, it’s hard to say. One of the disadvantages of cultivating commercially available potatoes is this. It is recommended to stop watering a week before you want to harvest potatoes. The potato plant’s wilting, yellowing, and impending death are indicators that the potatoes are ready to be harvested.
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