Starting a Potato Plant from Seed Potatoes
Growing a potato plant begins with healthy seed potatoes. Before planting, place them in a bright, frost-free spot to sprout for two to three weeks. This process, called chitting, helps them produce small shoots that lead to stronger plants. Once the shoots reach around 2.5 cm, they’re ready for planting outdoors or in pots.
Always choose well-drained soil or quality compost for best results. Potatoes dislike waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential whether planting directly in the ground or using containers.
How to Grow a Potato Plant from a Potato
It is possible to grow a potato plant from a shop-bought potato, although success can vary. Choose a potato that is firm and shows signs of small buds or “eyes.” Place it in a cool, bright area to encourage sprouting, similar to chitting seed potatoes.
Once shoots appear, cut larger potatoes into sections ensuring each piece has at least one sprout and allow them to dry for a day before planting.
Plant in soil or compost as you would seed potatoes, about 10–15 cm deep. Shop-bought potatoes may sometimes carry treatments to prevent sprouting or could harbour disease, so results can differ.
For the best harvest, try this as an experiment alongside certified seed potatoes, which are specifically grown for planting and usually produce more reliable crops.
How to Grow Potatoes in Soil
Choose a sunny, open site with loose, fertile soil. In the UK, early and salad potatoes can be planted from March onwards, while maincrop varieties are planted in April. Dig trenches about 10–15 cm deep and place each potato 30 cm apart, with 60 cm between rows. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
As shoots appear, gradually draw soil around the stems, known as earthing up. This prevents sunlight from reaching the developing tubers and encourages more to form underground.
Keep the area weed-free and water consistently during dry spells. A balanced potato fertiliser such as NPK 14-14-21 can be worked into the soil during planting or applied later in the season to maintain growth and tuber quality.
Growing Potatoes in Pots or Potato Grow Bags
Potatoes also thrive in pots, making them suitable for patios and small gardens. Choose containers around 30 cm or 40 cm wide, allowing space for roots and tuber growth. Start by adding 10 cm of compost to the base, place your chitted potatoes on top, and cover with another 10 cm of compost.
As the plant grows, continue adding layers of compost until the container is nearly full. This layering encourages additional tubers along the buried stem. Water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist and feed with potato fertiliser 14-14-21 every two to three weeks to support steady growth.
If frost is forecast, move pots indoors overnight or cover them with garden fleece to prevent damage.
Feeding Potatoes with Fertiliser 14-14-21
Potatoes require balanced nutrition for healthy roots, strong foliage, and quality tubers. Fertiliser NPK 14-14-21 contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to meet these needs. Nitrogen encourages green growth, phosphorus supports root formation, and potassium improves tuber size and resistance to common diseases.
Apply the fertiliser according to instructions, either by mixing it into soil before planting or dissolving it in water during the growing season. Regular feeding ensures the plant maintains energy through the full cycle, producing consistent and healthy crops.
Tips for Successful Potato Growing
- Chit seed or shop-bought potatoes from February in a frost-free, bright place
- Use free-draining soil or compost to avoid waterlogging
- Feed regularly using fertiliser 14-14-21 for balanced nutrition
- Protect young plants from frost using garden fleece
- Re-plant in August for a late or Christmas harvest
Benefits of Growing Potatoes in Soil or Pots
- Control over soil quality and watering levels
- Option to grow in gardens, patios, or allotments
- Reduced risk of soil-borne diseases in pots
- Easy harvesting with minimal disturbance
- Fresh, homegrown potatoes for cooking and storing
How Long Potatoes Take to Grow
Growth time varies by variety and season. Early potatoes mature in around 10–12 weeks, while maincrop types take up to 20 weeks. When foliage begins to yellow and collapse, the crop is ready. In pots, you can check progress by gently lifting the inner section, then replacing it to let smaller potatoes continue growing.
Storing Potatoes After Harvest
After harvest, let potatoes dry in a cool, shaded area for a few hours before storage. Store them in hessian or paper sacks to allow airflow and prevent moisture build-up. Keep sacks in a cool, dark place such as a shed or garage to extend freshness. Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap moisture and cause spoilage.
Final Thoughts
Whether growing from a shop-bought potato or certified seed, the same principles apply: good preparation, layered planting, regular feeding, and frost protection. Using potato pots or garden soil with balanced fertiliser 14-14-21 gives reliable results and strong growth. With patience and care, anyone can grow potatoes successfully across the UK.
How Long Potatoes Take to Grow
Potatoes typically take between 10 and 20 weeks to mature depending on the variety. Early types are ready in 10–12 weeks, while maincrop varieties take around 16–20 weeks. When the leaves turn yellow and begin to collapse, it’s time to harvest. In pots, lift the inner pot gently to check progress and allow smaller potatoes to continue developing.
Storing Potatoes After Harvest
After lifting, let potatoes dry in a shaded, cool place before storing. Keep them in hessian or paper sacks that allow air circulation and help prevent sprouting. Store the sacks in a dark, cool location such as a shed or garage. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to rot.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re growing in soil or using potato pots, the essentials are the same: well-prepared compost or soil, regular feeding, and careful watering. Fertiliser 14-14-21 offers balanced nutrients that support healthy foliage and strong tubers. With attention to timing and frost protection, growing potatoes at home can be straightforward and rewarding throughout the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions on Growing Potatoes
Can I plant a potato that has sprouted?
Yes, sprouted potatoes can be planted. Choose healthy ones with firm flesh and short shoots. Plant about 10–15 cm deep in soil or compost, and water regularly. Avoid soft or green potatoes, as these may not grow well.
How often should I water potatoes in pots?
Potatoes in pots need consistent moisture but should never sit in soggy compost. Water every few days during dry weather, keeping the soil damp but not soaked. Overwatering can lead to rot, while underwatering may reduce yield.
Why do potatoes turn green in sunlight?
Potatoes turn green when exposed to sunlight due to the formation of chlorophyll and a natural chemical called solanine. This can make them bitter and unsuitable for eating. Always cover developing tubers with soil or compost to prevent greening.
Can I reuse compost from last year’s potato crop?
It’s best to use fresh compost for new potato crops. Old compost may contain pests or depleted nutrients. If reusing, refresh it with new compost and a balanced fertiliser such as 14-14-21 before planting again.