Growing your own potatoes can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, flavorful produce right from your backyard. A common question aspiring gardeners often ask is: can I grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While technically possible, there are several factors to consider to ensure success. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding Potato Propagation
Potatoes are typically grown from “seed potatoes,” which aren’t actually seeds in the traditional sense. They are small, whole potatoes or cut pieces of potatoes that contain “eyes” or buds. These eyes sprout and develop into new potato plants. This is a form of vegetative propagation. You can, in theory, use a potato you purchased from the grocery store in place of a certified seed potato.
The Role of Seed Potatoes
Seed potatoes are specifically grown for planting. They are certified to be disease-free and of a known variety, ensuring a healthy start for your potato crop. This quality control is very important for a successful harvest.
How Potatoes Sprout
The “eyes” on a potato are actually buds capable of producing stems and roots. When a potato is exposed to the right conditions – moisture, warmth, and light – these eyes will sprout. This is the crucial step in growing new potato plants.
The Store-Bought Potato Dilemma
While the idea of using readily available grocery store potatoes is tempting, there are potential pitfalls. Understanding these challenges is crucial for making an informed decision.
Potential Disease Risks
One of the biggest concerns is the potential for disease. Store-bought potatoes may carry diseases that can affect your garden soil and other plants. Common potato diseases include blight, scab, and various viral infections. These diseases can significantly reduce your potato yield and even contaminate your garden soil for future plantings. It’s important to be aware of these diseases and their symptoms.
The Threat of Viruses
Potatoes are susceptible to several viruses, such as Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV). These viruses can drastically reduce yield and quality, and they can spread to other plants in your garden. Store-bought potatoes are not usually tested for these viruses, making them a potential source of infection.
Sprout Inhibitors
To prolong shelf life, commercially sold potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors. These chemicals prevent the potatoes from sprouting prematurely in the store. While the concentrations are generally considered safe for consumption, they can hinder the sprouting process when you’re trying to grow new plants. The use of sprout inhibitors can make it difficult to get the potato to sprout, leading to disappointment.
Uncertainty of Variety
Store-bought potatoes are often sold without specific varietal information. This means you won’t know the characteristics of the potato you’re growing, such as its size, yield, disease resistance, or maturity time. This lack of information can make it difficult to plan your garden and manage your expectations.
Steps to Improve Your Chances of Success
If you decide to try growing potatoes from store-bought ones, here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success:
Choose Organic Potatoes
Opt for organic potatoes. These are less likely to be treated with sprout inhibitors, increasing the likelihood of sprouting. Read the labels carefully. Look for words like “organic” and “untreated.”
Look for Potatoes with Eyes
Select potatoes that already have visible eyes or small sprouts. This indicates that the potato is viable and ready to grow. Choose potatoes that appear firm and healthy, without any signs of rot or disease.
Chit the Potatoes
Chitting is the process of encouraging potatoes to sprout before planting. Place the potatoes in a cool, bright location (but not direct sunlight) for a few weeks. This will encourage the eyes to sprout and develop strong shoots. You can place the potatoes in egg cartons or a tray.
Cut the Potatoes (Optional)
If your potato is large, you can cut it into pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least one or two eyes. Allow the cut pieces to dry and callous over for a day or two before planting. This will help prevent rot.
Planting and Care
Plant the sprouted potato pieces in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil. Plant the pieces with the eyes facing up, about 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart.
Hilling Potatoes
As the potato plants grow, “hill” the soil around the stems. This encourages the formation of more potatoes along the buried stems. Hilling involves mounding soil around the base of the plants as they grow. Repeat this process several times throughout the growing season.
Watering and Fertilizing
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer. Watch out for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if necessary.
Alternatives to Store-Bought Potatoes
Given the potential drawbacks of using store-bought potatoes, consider these alternatives:
Certified Seed Potatoes
The best option is to purchase certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. This ensures that you are planting disease-free potatoes of a known variety. Seed potatoes are specifically grown and inspected for quality.
Potato Starts
Another option is to purchase potato starts from a local garden center. These are young potato plants that are already growing, giving you a head start on the growing season.
Important Considerations
Growing potatoes successfully requires careful planning and attention to detail. Consider these additional factors.
Soil Health
Healthy soil is essential for growing healthy potatoes. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
Sunlight
Potatoes need at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a planting location that receives plenty of sunlight.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor your potato plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Take appropriate action to control any problems that arise.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning, you may encounter problems when growing potatoes. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Poor Sprouting
If your potatoes are not sprouting, it could be due to sprout inhibitors, cold temperatures, or lack of moisture. Try chitting the potatoes in a warmer location and ensuring they have adequate moisture.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, disease, or pest infestation. Check the soil pH and nutrient levels, and inspect the plants for pests or diseases.
Potato Blight
Potato blight is a fungal disease that can quickly destroy potato plants. Prevent blight by planting disease-resistant varieties, providing good air circulation, and applying fungicides as needed.
Final Thoughts
While growing potatoes from store-bought potatoes is possible, it comes with risks. Weigh the potential challenges against the convenience and cost savings before making a decision. Opting for certified seed potatoes or potato starts will significantly increase your chances of a successful and healthy harvest. Happy gardening!
Can I plant any potato from the grocery store and expect it to grow?
While technically you can plant grocery store potatoes, success isn’t guaranteed. Potatoes sold for consumption are often treated with sprout inhibitors to prevent them from sprouting on store shelves. These inhibitors can also prevent them from sprouting when you try to plant them. Choosing organic potatoes increases your chances of success as they are less likely to be treated with these chemicals.
Furthermore, some grocery store potatoes might carry diseases that could transfer to your garden soil, potentially harming other plants. Using certified seed potatoes, which are specifically grown for planting, ensures that they are disease-free and haven’t been treated with sprout inhibitors, leading to a healthier and more productive potato crop. This is the recommended practice for maximizing yields and minimizing the risk of disease.
What are the best types of store-bought potatoes to try and grow?
Look for potatoes that already have eyes (small buds) beginning to sprout. These are more likely to grow. Russet potatoes are a common variety found in grocery stores, and while they can be grown, they tend to be more susceptible to diseases. Consider other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes if available and already showing signs of sprouting.
However, remember the earlier point about disease. If you’re determined to use store-bought potatoes, thoroughly inspect them for any signs of rot, blemishes, or discoloration. Wash them carefully and consider treating them with a fungicide before planting to minimize the risk of introducing disease to your garden. Ultimately, seed potatoes remain the safer and more reliable option.
How do I prepare a store-bought potato for planting?
The process of preparing a store-bought potato for planting is called “chitting” or “sprouting.” Place the potatoes in a bright, cool location (around 60-70°F or 15-21°C) for a week or two, allowing the eyes to sprout. You can place them in an egg carton or on a tray to prevent them from rotting due to moisture. Aim for sprouts that are about an inch long before planting.
Once the potatoes have sprouted, you can cut them into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two eyes. Let the cut pieces air dry for a day or two to allow the cut surfaces to callous over. This helps to prevent rot after planting. Plant the pieces with the eyes facing upward in well-drained soil.
When is the best time to plant store-bought potatoes?
The best time to plant potatoes, whether from store-bought or seed potatoes, is in early spring, about two to three weeks before the last expected frost. The soil temperature should be at least 45°F (7°C). This allows the potatoes to establish themselves before the weather gets too hot, which can inhibit tuber development.
Consider your local climate and growing zone when determining the best planting time. Check local gardening resources or consult with experienced gardeners in your area for specific recommendations. Proper timing is crucial for a successful potato crop. Planting too early exposes the plants to frost damage, while planting too late can result in reduced yields.
How deep should I plant store-bought potato pieces?
Plant your potato pieces about 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil. Space them about 12 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart. This spacing allows the plants enough room to grow and develop their tubers. Proper depth ensures adequate soil coverage for tuber formation.
As the potato plants grow, “hill” the soil around the base of the plants, covering the stems as they emerge. This encourages more tuber formation along the buried stem. Continue hilling the soil every few weeks until the plants flower. Hilling also helps to protect the developing tubers from sunlight, which can turn them green and make them taste bitter.
What kind of care do store-bought potatoes need once planted?
Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during tuber development. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost to provide them with the necessary nutrients. Monitor the plants regularly for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if necessary.
Keep the area around the potato plants free of weeds, which can compete for resources and harbor pests and diseases. Harvest the potatoes when the plants flower or when the foliage begins to die back. Gently dig up the potatoes with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the tubers. Cure the harvested potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place for a week or two before storing them.
What are the risks involved in growing potatoes from store-bought potatoes?
The biggest risk is the potential for disease. Grocery store potatoes may carry fungal or viral diseases that can contaminate your soil and affect future crops. They may also be treated with sprout inhibitors, which can prevent them from sprouting altogether. This can lead to a wasted effort and a disappointing harvest.
Another risk is a lower yield. Store-bought potatoes are not bred for optimal tuber production like certified seed potatoes are. This means you may get fewer potatoes and they may be smaller in size. Weighing the risks and benefits is crucial; seed potatoes are often a worthwhile investment for a healthier and more productive potato crop.