How To Grow Sprouted Potatoes (Updated January 1st)

Found those forgotten potatoes sprouting in the pantry? Don’t toss them just yet! Turning those spud eyes into a bountiful harvest is easier than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing your own potatoes is incredibly rewarding. Ready to turn potential waste into delicious, homegrown potatoes? Let’s dive in and get your garden started immediately.

How to Grow Sprouted Potatoes Step-by-Step

Prepare the Seed Potatoes for Planting

Start by selecting healthy, firm potatoes with robust sprouts about an inch long. If the potatoes are large, cut them into smaller pieces, ensuring each section has at least two or three strong sprouts.

Let the cut pieces sit in a cool, dry spot for a day or two to form a callus over the cut surface—this helps prevent rotting once planted. Smaller potatoes can be planted whole.

Handle them gently to avoid breaking off the sprouts, as these are crucial for your future harvest. Remember to use certified disease-free seed potatoes if possible, as store-bought varieties might carry diseases that affect soil health.

Preparing your potatoes properly gives them a strong start and boosts your chances of a bountiful yield.

Choose the Right Planting Location and Soil

Pick a sunny spot in your garden where the plants will get at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, so mix in compost or aged manure to improve fertility and texture.

Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water, as soggy conditions can cause tubers to rot. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, around 5.0 to 6.0, which helps prevent scab disease.

If you’re short on space, potatoes grow well in containers or grow bags too—just ensure the pot is deep enough for hilling. Preparing the right environment ensures your sprouted potatoes develop into healthy, productive plants.

Plant Your Sprouted Potatoes Correctly

Dig a trench or individual holes about 4 inches deep, spacing them 12 inches apart to allow room for growth. Place the seed potatoes sprout-side up and cover them lightly with soil.

As the plants grow, gradually pile soil around the stems—a process called hilling—to protect developing tubers from sunlight and encourage more potatoes to form. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering when tubers are developing. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care, your sprouted potatoes will flourish, rewarding you with a delicious homegrown harvest in about 70 to 100 days, depending on the variety.

Should You Plant Potatoes That Have Sprouted?

Understanding the Sprouting Process

When potatoes start sprouting, it’s a natural sign they’re ready to grow. These sprouts, often called ‘eyes,’ are the beginning of new potato plants. Don’t toss them out—sprouted potatoes can be planted to grow a fresh crop!

To prepare, cut the potato into chunks, ensuring each piece has at least one healthy sprout. Let the pieces dry for a day or two to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting when planted.

Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil, and bury the chunks about 4 inches deep. Water regularly, and in a few weeks, you’ll see green shoots emerging. It’s a simple, rewarding way to turn kitchen scraps into a bountiful harvest!

When Are Sprouts Too Old to Use?

While sprouted potatoes are great for planting, not all are suitable. If the sprouts are long, shriveled, or mushy, the potato may be too old and won’t produce healthy plants. Avoid using potatoes with soft spots, mold, or a foul smell, as these are signs of decay.

Firm potatoes with short, sturdy sprouts are ideal. If the sprouts are over 2 inches long, you can still use them—just trim them back to encourage stronger growth. Always inspect the potato carefully before planting to ensure it’s viable.

Using older potatoes can lead to poor yields or disease, so it’s better to start with healthy seed potatoes for the best results.

Benefits of Using Sprouted Potatoes as Seed

Planting sprouted potatoes is a cost-effective and sustainable way to grow your own food. Instead of buying seed potatoes, you can use ones you already have, reducing waste and saving money. Sprouted potatoes are often faster to grow since the sprouts give them a head start.

They’re also easy to handle, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. Plus, homegrown potatoes taste fresher and can be harvested at your preferred size. By using sprouted potatoes, you’re not only recycling but also enjoying the satisfaction of growing your own produce.

It’s a win-win for your garden and your wallet!

How to Prepare Sprouted Potatoes Before Planting

Cutting Large Potatoes into Seed Pieces

If your sprouted potatoes are large, cutting them into smaller pieces is a smart way to stretch your seed stock. Start by choosing healthy, disease-free tubers with strong sprouts. Using a clean, sharp knife, slice the potato into chunks roughly the size of a golf ball.

Make sure each piece has at least one or two healthy sprouts (often called ‘eyes’) attached to it. This ensures each section has the potential to grow into a robust plant. Be careful not to damage the sprouts during the process.

While you can cut them a day or two before planting, many gardeners prefer to do it right before they head to the garden to keep the flesh moist.

Avoid cutting pieces that are too small, as they may not have enough stored energy to sustain the plant until it establishes roots.

Curing Potato Seeds to Prevent Rot

Once you have cut your potatoes, it is crucial to let the cut sides ‘heal’ or ‘cure’ before placing them in the soil. This step creates a protective crust over the wound, which significantly lowers the risk of rot or fungal diseases.

Spread the pieces out in a warm, dry, and shady spot for about 24 to 48 hours. You want the cut surface to feel dry and leathery to the touch. If the weather is very humid, consider using a fan to ensure good air circulation.

If you skip this step, damp soil can easily cause the seeds to decay before they ever sprout. This simple waiting period allows the potato to form a callous layer, making it much more resilient once it is underground and giving your crop a strong start.

Choosing Between Whole or Cut Potatoes

Deciding whether to plant whole tubers or cut pieces often depends on the size of your seed potatoes and your specific growing conditions. Small potatoes, about the size of a hen’s egg, are usually best planted whole.

Because they are not sliced, they retain all their energy and moisture, offering a slight advantage in early growth, especially in drier conditions.

Larger potatoes should almost always be cut into sections to prevent overcrowding; if you plant a massive potato whole, it will produce too many stems competing for space. While whole potatoes are slightly less prone to rot, cutting is necessary for larger stock to ensure you don’t waste the seed.

Ultimately, both methods work well, provided you allow cut potatoes to cure properly, leading to a bountiful harvest.

Best Soil Conditions and Planting Depth for Success

Ideal Soil pH and Texture for Potatoes

Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.0. This pH range helps prevent scab, a common potato disease, while loose soil allows tubers to expand easily.

If your soil is heavy clay or too compact, mix in organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve texture and drainage. Avoid adding too much nitrogen, as it can encourage leafy growth at the expense of tubers.

Test your soil before planting and adjust with lime or sulfur if needed. A sandy loam texture is ideal—it retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Remember, healthy soil equals bigger, better potatoes!

How Deep to Plant Sprouted Potatoes

When planting sprouted potatoes, aim for a depth of 4–6 inches in the soil. This protects the developing tubers from sunlight, which can turn them green and toxic. Place the potato with the sprouts facing upward, as this encourages strong, upward growth.

If you’re planting in rows, space the potatoes about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow. As the plants grow, gradually mound soil around the base (called “hilling”) to keep tubers covered and promote additional growth.

Avoid planting too shallow, as this can lead to smaller potatoes and more exposure to pests or sun damage.

Spacing Requirements for Healthy Growth

Proper spacing ensures your potatoes have enough room to develop without competing for nutrients. Space rows 2–3 feet apart to allow for easy hilling and airflow, which reduces disease risk. Within each row, place seed potatoes 12 inches apart.

If you’re planting in containers, choose a large pot (at least 10 gallons) and stick to one or two potatoes per container. Crowded plants produce smaller tubers, so give them plenty of room. Good spacing also makes harvesting easier and reduces the chance of fungal issues.

With the right spacing, your potato plants will grow vigorously and yield a bountiful harvest!

Essential Care Tips for Growing Potato Plants

Watering Schedule for Potatoes

Potatoes love steady moisture to produce those tasty tubers, so establishing a good routine is vital. Aim to provide your plants with about one to two inches of water every week, adjusting if rain does the job for you.

It is crucial to water deeply, soaking the soil rather than just wetting the surface, to encourage strong root systems. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the dirt; if it feels dry, give them a drink.

Be especially vigilant once the plants start flowering because this is when the potatoes are rapidly sizing up. Consistent moisture prevents the tubers from developing strange shapes or hollow hearts, but be careful not to waterlog the soil.

Mulching with straw helps retain that much-needed water and keeps the roots cool during the hottest parts of the day.

When and How to Hill Your Potatoes

Hilling is a simple technique that dramatically increases your harvest and protects your crop. You should begin this process when the potato plants are about six to eight inches tall.

Gently mound soil, straw, or shredded leaves around the base of the plant, covering the lower leaves but leaving the top few inches exposed. This keeps the developing tubers buried deep underground, preventing them from turning green and toxic due to sun exposure.

Additionally, hilling encourages the stems to produce more potatoes along the buried sections, effectively increasing your yield. Repeat this step every few weeks as the plant grows taller throughout the season.

Hilling potatoes properly is the secret to getting the most out of your garden space and ensuring that every spud you dig up is safe to eat and delicious.

Fertilizing for Maximum Yield

Feeding your plants correctly ensures they have the energy to produce a bountiful crop. Start by working a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting to give your sprouted potatoes a strong start.

As the plants grow, avoid using high-nitrogen feeds, as this will result in massive leafy growth with very few potatoes underneath. Instead, once the plants are established, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to support root and tuber development.

A light application right when you start hilling is usually perfect for the season. Keep an eye on your plants; if they look yellow or stunted, a little extra nutrient boost might be needed.

Always ensure the soil is moist before applying fertilizer to prevent burning the tender roots, and you will be rewarded with a heavy sack of spuds at harvest time.

How to Identify and Fix Common Potato Growing Problems

Why Are My Potato Plants Turning Yellow?

Yellowing potato plants can be a sign of overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or natural aging. Check soil moisture first—if it’s soggy, reduce watering to prevent root rot. If the soil is dry but leaves are yellow, your plants might need balanced fertilizer, especially nitrogen.

Older plants naturally yellow as they near harvest, but if it happens early, inspect for pests or diseases. Ensure your potatoes get full sun and well-draining soil to avoid stress. Healthy plants should have vibrant green leaves, so catch yellowing early to save your crop.

Dealing with Pests Like Potato Beetles

Potato beetles can devastate your crop if ignored. Look for orange eggs on leaf undersides or striped adults feeding on foliage. Handpick beetles and crush eggs to stop infestations early. For larger problems, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, which are safer than harsh chemicals.

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep pests in check. Crop rotation and planting resistant varieties also help. Stay vigilant—regular inspections can prevent beetles from overtaking your plants and ruining your harvest.

Preventing Potato Blight and Other Diseases

Potato blight thrives in damp, humid conditions, causing dark spots on leaves and tubers. Water at the base of plants in the morning to keep foliage dry. Avoid overhead watering and space plants for airflow. Remove infected plants immediately to stop spread.

Choose disease-resistant varieties and rotate crops yearly to disrupt disease cycles. Mulching can also reduce soil splash that spreads spores. Early detection is key—inspect leaves weekly and act fast if you spot blight to protect your potato crop.

When and How to Harvest Your Homegrown Potatoes

Signs Your Potatoes Are Ready to Harvest

Knowing when your homegrown potatoes are ready involves watching the plant’s lifecycle closely. When the foliage turns yellow and starts to die back, it’s a clear signal the tubers are mature. For new potatoes, which are smaller and tender, you can harvest them gently once the plants flower.

Just dig around the base carefully to avoid disturbing the rest. For maincrop varieties, wait until the vines have completely died down and the skins have set. To check skin firmness, gently rub a potato with your thumb; if the skin doesn’t rub off easily, they’re ready.

This ensures your potatoes store well and taste great. Harvesting at the right time prevents rot and maximizes flavor, so patience is key. Keep an eye on the weather too—harvest before heavy frost to avoid damage.

How to Dig Up Potatoes Without Damage

To harvest your potatoes without slicing or bruising them, use the right tools and technique. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with a garden fork, inserting it a few inches away from the stem to avoid piercing tubers.

Gently lift the soil and shake the plant to reveal the potatoes. Avoid pulling the plant aggressively, as this can break the potatoes. Once exposed, pick them by hand, checking the soil thoroughly for any stragglers.

If the ground is dry, watering lightly a day before harvesting can make the soil easier to work. Handle each potato carefully to prevent cuts, which can lead to rot during storage. Work slowly and methodically to ensure you collect every last spud.

This careful approach minimizes waste and keeps your harvest in top condition.

Curing and Storing Potatoes for Long-Term Use

After harvesting, curing your potatoes is essential for extending their shelf life. Lay them out in a cool, dark place with good ventilation for about 10–14 days. This process toughens the skin and heals any minor cuts. Avoid direct sunlight, which can turn potatoes green and make them toxic.

Once cured, brush off excess dirt gently—don’t wash them until you’re ready to cook. Store the potatoes in a breathable container like burlap sacks or cardboard boxes in a dark, humid area around 45–50°F. Check them periodically and remove any that show signs of rot to prevent spoilage.

Properly cured and stored potatoes can last several months, providing you with a steady supply. With these steps, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor well into the winter season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant a sprouted potato?

Yes, sprouted potatoes can be planted to grow new potato plants. The sprouts (also called eyes) are the starts of new shoots, and the potato itself provides nutrients for early growth. Ensure the sprouts are at least 1-2 inches long before planting for best results.

How do I prepare sprouted potatoes for planting?

Cut the potato into chunks, ensuring each piece has at least 1-2 healthy sprouts. Let the cut pieces dry for 1-2 days to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting. Plant the chunks with the sprouts facing upward, about 3-4 inches deep in soil.

What soil conditions do sprouted potatoes need?

Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.0-6.0). Avoid heavy clay soil, which can cause tubers to rot. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.

How often should I water potato plants?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can rot the tubers. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

When is the best time to harvest sprouted potatoes?

Harvest when the plants’ foliage turns yellow and dies back, typically 70-120 days after planting. For new potatoes, harvest earlier when the plants begin flowering. Dig carefully to avoid damaging the tubers.

Do sprouted potatoes need sunlight?

Potato plants need full sun (6-8 hours daily) to grow well. However, the developing tubers should be kept covered with soil or mulch to prevent them from turning green and toxic (a condition called greening). Hill up soil around the base of the plants as they grow.

Can I grow sprouted potatoes in containers?

Yes, sprouted potatoes can be grown in containers, making them ideal for small spaces. Use a large pot or grow bag (at least 10-15 gallons) with drainage holes. Add soil as the plant grows (hilling) to encourage more tuber production.