What To Know
- The eyes, or buds, on the potato begin to develop shoots, which are the beginnings of new potato plants.
- As the plants start to flower and the leaves begin to yellow, it’s a good sign that your potatoes are ready for harvest.
- It’s best to plant potatoes in the spring, as they need warm soil temperatures to germinate and grow.
You’ve found a bag of potatoes in the pantry, but they’ve sprouted! Don’t toss them out just yet. Learning how to grow potato that has sprouted is a rewarding experience. Not only can you save money, but you’ll also be enjoying fresh, homegrown potatoes in no time. This guide will walk you through the process, from preparing your sprouted potatoes to harvesting your delicious bounty.
Understanding Potato Sprouting
Potatoes sprout when exposed to light and warmth. The eyes, or buds, on the potato begin to develop shoots, which are the beginnings of new potato plants. While sprouting doesn’t necessarily make the potato inedible, it can affect its flavor and texture. However, these sprouted potatoes are perfect for planting and growing your own potatoes.
Choosing the Right Potatoes for Planting
Not all sprouted potatoes are created equal. For successful planting, select potatoes that have:
- Healthy sprouts: Look for sprouts that are firm, green, and free of any signs of rot or disease.
- No signs of decay: Avoid potatoes that are soft, mushy, or have dark spots.
- Variety considerations: Choose potato varieties that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions.
Preparing Your Sprouted Potatoes for Planting
Before planting, you’ll need to prepare your sprouted potatoes:
1. Cut the potatoes: Carefully cut each potato into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two healthy sprouts. Leave the pieces to dry for a few hours, allowing the cut surfaces to heal.
2. Treat the cuts (optional): To prevent fungal diseases, you can dust the cut surfaces with sulfur powder or a fungicide.
3. Choose your planting method: You can plant your potato pieces directly in the ground or use containers.
Planting Your Sprouted Potatoes
1. Direct Planting:
- Choose a sunny spot: Potatoes need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Amend the soil with compost or manure for better drainage and nutrients.
- Planting depth: Plant your potato pieces 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart.
- Covering the potatoes: Cover the potatoes with soil, leaving the sprouts exposed. As the plants grow, you’ll need to hill them, adding more soil around the stems to encourage new potato growth.
2. Container Planting:
- Choose a container: Select a container that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
- Fill with potting mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well.
- Planting: Plant your potato pieces as described above, ensuring the sprouts are facing upwards.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
- Watering: Water your potato plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Weeding: Keep weeds under control to prevent them from competing with your potato plants for nutrients and water.
- Hilling: As your potato plants grow, add more soil around the stems to encourage new potato growth. This helps to protect the developing tubers from sunlight.
Harvesting Your Potatoes
- Know your variety: Different potato varieties mature at different times. Check the seed packet or online resources for the specific variety you planted.
- Signs of maturity: As the plants start to flower and the leaves begin to yellow, it’s a good sign that your potatoes are ready for harvest.
- Harvesting: Gently dig around the base of the plant and carefully lift the potatoes.
Beyond the Harvest: Storing Your Potatoes
- Cool and dry: Store potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can cause potatoes to turn green and produce solanine, a toxin that can cause illness.
- Proper storage: Store potatoes in a breathable container or burlap sack.
The Final Feast: Enjoying Your Homegrown Potatoes
Now that you’ve successfully grown potatoes from sprouts, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Experiment with different recipes, from classic mashed potatoes to hearty potato stews. The satisfaction of savoring a meal made with your own homegrown potatoes is truly rewarding.
Top Questions Asked
1. Can I plant potatoes in the fall?
It’s best to plant potatoes in the spring, as they need warm soil temperatures to germinate and grow. However, you can plant some varieties in the fall in milder climates.
2. What are the signs of potato diseases?
Look out for signs like wilting, yellowing leaves, brown spots on the leaves or stems, and rot on the tubers.
3. Can I use sprouted potatoes for cooking?
While sprouted potatoes are safe to eat, they may have a slightly bitter taste and a less appealing texture. It’s best to use them for planting.
4. How long does it take to grow potatoes from sprouts?
The time it takes to grow potatoes from sprouts varies depending on the variety and growing conditions, but it typically takes about 80-100 days.
5. What are some other ways to grow potatoes?
Besides the traditional method of planting in the ground, you can also grow potatoes in containers, grow bags, or even in tires. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
