Learning how to plant sprouted potatoes is a fantastic way to turn kitchen scraps into a productive garden harvest. Planting a potato that has already sprouted gives your crop a significant head start in the garden. Those little sprouts, or “eyes,” are a sign the potato is ready to grow, and with the right steps, you can ensure a healthy yield.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions. You will learn everything from selecting the best seed potatoes to harvesting your homegrown spuds.
How To Plant Sprouted Potatoes
Before you put any potato in the ground, proper preparation is key. Starting with the right materials and understanding the basics sets the stage for success. This section covers the essentials you need to know.
What You Will Need
Gathering your supplies beforehand makes the process smooth. You do not need specialized equipment, just a few common garden items.
- Sprouted Potatoes: Your seed stock, ideally organic.
- Well-Draining Soil: Potatoes thrive in loose, fertile soil.
- A Sunny Spot: At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- A Shovel or Trowel: For digging trenches and hilling.
- Compost or Aged Manure: For soil enrichment.
- A Knife (Optional): For cutting larger potatoes.
- Watering Can or Hose: For consistent moisture.
Choosing The Right Sprouted Potatoes
Not every sprouted potato from your pantry is ideal for planting. Selecting healthy seed potatoes improves your chances of a robust harvest and helps prevent disease.
- Opt for Organic: Conventionally grown potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors, which can hinder growth.
- Check for Firmness: The potato should be solid, not soft, shriveled, or rotten.
- Healthy Sprouts: Look for short, stocky, green or purple sprouts. Avoid long, pale, and leggy “eyes.”
- Avoid Disease: Discard any potatoes with signs of mold, significant cuts, or soft spots.
To Cut Or Not To Cut
Whether you cut your potatoes depends on their size. This step can help you maximize your seed stock.
When To Cut Seed Potatoes
Cut larger potatoes that are bigger than a golf ball. Each piece should be roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in size and must have at least one or two strong sprouts. This allows you to plant multiple pieces from one potato.
When To Plant Whole
Small potatoes, about the size of an egg or smaller, can be planted whole. This is often simpler and reduces the risk of rot before the piece establishes roots.
Proper Cutting Technique
- Use a clean, sharp knife.
- Cut the potato into chunks, ensuring each piece has sprouts.
- Allow the cut pieces to “cure” or dry for 1-2 days. This lets the cut surface form a callus, which helps prevent rot when planted.
Preparing Your Planting Site
Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil to develop their tubers properly. Heavy, compacted soil leads to misshapen potatoes and potential rot.
- Sunlight: Choose the sunniest part of your garden.
- Soil Type: Loamy, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0) is ideal.
- Amend the Soil: Work in 3-4 inches of compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Raised Beds & Containers: If your garden soil is poor, consider using a raised bed or a large container like a grow bag. These options offer excellent drainage and are easier to manage.
The Planting Process Step By Step
Now for the main event. Follow these steps to plant your prepared potato pieces correctly.
Step 1: Dig Trenches Or Holes
Dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep. If you are planting in rows, space trenches about 2-3 feet apart. For container planting, ensure your pot is at least 12-18 inches deep.
Step 2: Place The Potato Pieces
Place your seed potato pieces or whole potatoes in the trench with the sprouts facing upward. Space them about 12 inches apart within the row. This gives the plants room to grow.
Step 3: Cover Gently
Cover the potatoes with 4 inches of soil. Do not pack the soil down tightly; keep it loose to allow the shoots to emerge easily. Water the area thoroughly after planting.
Step 4: The First “Hilling”
When the green shoots are about 6-8 inches tall, it’s time for the first “hilling.” Use your hoe or shovel to mound soil around the base of the plant, covering about half of the exposed stem. This encourages more tuber formation and prevents sun exposure, which turns potatoes green and toxic.
Caring For Your Growing Potatoes
Consistent care after planting is crucial for a good harvest. The main tasks involve watering, hilling, and monitoring for pests.
Watering Requirements
Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially once tubers begin to form. Water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water. The soil should be moist but never soggy. Inconsistent watering can lead to knobby or cracked potatoes.
Hilling Regularly
Continue hilling your potatoes every few weeks as the plants grow. Add soil, straw, or compost around the stems, leaving just the top few inches of leaves exposed. This process protects developing tubers and supports the plant.
Fertilizing For Growth
If you amended your soil at planting, additional fertilizer may not be needed. A side dressing of compost when you hill can provide a nutrient boost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as they promote leafy growth instead of tubers.
Managing Weeds And Pests
Weed carefully around your plants, as potatoes do not like competition. Be mindful of common pests like Colorado potato beetles. Hand-pick them off plants if you see them. Crop rotation is the best long-term strategy to prevent pest and disease buildup.
Knowing When To Harvest
Harvest time depends on whether you want “new” potatoes or mature potatoes for storage.
For New Potatoes
You can carefully dig around the base of the plant and steal a few small, tender potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. This does not harm the plant and gives you an early taste.
For Mature Potatoes
Wait until the plant’s foliage turns yellow and begins to die back. This usually happens 2-3 weeks after flowering stops. Stop watering at this point. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil several inches away from the plant and lift the entire root ball to reveal your harvest.
Curing And Storing Your Harvest
Proper post-harvest handling ensures your potatoes last for months.
- Cure: After digging, let the potatoes dry on the soil surface for a few hours. Then, move them to a dark, well-ventilated, and cool place (about 60-65°F) for 1-2 weeks. This thickens their skins for storage.
- Sort: Separate any damaged or cut potatoes; use these first as they will not store well.
- Store: Place cured potatoes in a cardboard box, paper bag, or basket. Keep them in a completely dark, cool (38-45°F), and humid location. A basement or root cellar is perfect. Check them periodically for spoilage.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good care, issues can arise. Here are solutions to common potato growing challenges.
Plants Are Not Sprouting
If shoots don’t appear after a few weeks, the seed piece may have rotted. This is often due to planting in cold, wet soil or using a piece that wasn’t properly callused. Ensure soil temperature is above 45°F at planting time.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves late in the season is normal as the plant matures. If it happens early, it could indicate overwatering, a nutrient deficiency, or a disease like early blight. Review your watering schedule and ensure plants are properly hilled.
Green Potato Skins
Green skin indicates exposure to sunlight, which produces a toxic compound called solanine. Always hill your potatoes adequately to keep developing tubers completely covered with soil. Cut away any green portions before cooking.
FAQ About Planting Sprouted Potatoes
Can You Plant A Potato That Has Sprouted In The Grocery Store?
Yes, you can, but it’s not always the best choice. Store-bought potatoes are frequently treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry disease. For best results, source “seed potatoes” from a garden center or use organic potatoes that have sprouted.
How Long Do Potato Sprouts Need To Be Before Planting?
Ideal sprouts are short, sturdy, and colored (green or purple), typically about 1/2 to 1 inch long. Long, white, leggy sprouts are a sign the potato was stored in darkness and are weaker. You can still plant them, but handle them carefully.
What Is The Best Month To Plant Potatoes?
Plant potatoes in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost date. Soil temperature should be at least 45°F. In warmer climates, you can also plant for a fall harvest in late summer.
Do You Water Potatoes Right After Planting?
Yes, you should water the soil thoroughly after planting to settle it around the seed piece and provide initial moisture. After that, maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging, which causes rot.
How Many Potatoes Will One Plant Produce?
A single healthy potato plant can yield between 5 to 10 potatoes, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Proper spacing, hilling, and care are key to maximizing your harvest from each seed piece you plant.