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How to Germinate Potatoes Seeds

Germinating potato seeds (Solanum tuberosum) can be an interesting process, but it’s important to clarify that potatoes are commonly grown from seed potatoes rather than true botanical seeds. Seed potatoes are essentially small tubers that will sprout and grow into new plants. If you’re looking to germinate actual botanical seeds from potatoes, the process would be more akin to starting other vegetable seeds.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to both methods:

From Seed Potatoes (Tuber Pieces):

  1. Select Seed Potatoes:
    • Choose certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable source. Avoid using potatoes from the grocery store as they might be treated to prevent sprouting.
  2. Cutting (if necessary):
    • If your seed potatoes are large, you can cut them into smaller pieces. Each piece should be about the size of a golf ball and contain at least one or two “eyes” (buds). Let the cut pieces sit at room temperature for 1-2 days to allow the cut surfaces to callous over. This helps prevent rot when planted.
  3. Pre-sprouting (Chitting):
    • Place the seed potatoes in a cool, light place (around 50-65°F or 10-18°C) for a few weeks to encourage sprouting before planting. Lay them out in a single layer, preferably in a seed tray or egg carton, with the eyes facing up.
  4. Planting:
    • Once the sprouts are about 1/2 inch to 1 inch long, they are ready to plant. Dig trenches or holes in well-draining soil, about 4 inches deep, and space the pieces about 12 inches apart with rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Place the potato pieces with the sprout-side up and cover with soil.
  5. Caring for Potato Plants:
    • Water appropriately and add soil to cover the sprouts (hilling) as they grow to protect them from sunlight and to encourage the growth of more tubers from the buried stems.

From True Potato Seeds (Botanical Seeds):

  1. Seed Preparation:
    • Obtain true potato seeds from a seed supplier. Soak the seeds in water for a few hours to help soften the seed coats.
  2. Planting Seeds:
    • Fill seed trays or small pots with seed-starting mix. Plant the potato seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with the mix.
  3. Germination Conditions:
    • Place the trays in a warm area (70-75°F or 21-24°C) with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take 2-4 weeks.
  4. Transplanting Seedlings:
    • Once the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden if temperatures are warm enough (after the last frost date).
  5. Growing On:
    • As the plants grow, care for them as you would with other potatoes, ensuring they have adequate water, nutrients, and protection from pests.

Remember, growing potatoes from true botanical seeds can be more challenging and time-consuming than using seed potatoes, so it’s less common among home gardeners. Seed potatoes are usually preferred for their ease of use and reliability.

Good luck with your potato growing endeavor!