For gardeners, planting potatoes, often called seed potatoes, are specially grown tubers used for propagation. They are distinct from grocery store potatoes, which are grown for consumption and may carry diseases or have been treated with sprout inhibitors that prevent growth. Sourcing appropriate planting stock is necessary to ensure a successful and healthy harvest.
The Importance of Certified Seed Stock
Using a store-bought potato for planting introduces a significant risk to your garden’s soil health. Potatoes are vegetatively propagated, meaning they are cloned from the parent plant, and can accumulate viruses and bacterial diseases over time. Diseases such as Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV), Potato Virus Y (PVY), and bacterial ring rot can be present without visible symptoms on the tuber.
Planting diseased stock allows pathogens to enter the soil, potentially infecting future crops and spreading to neighboring gardens. Soil-borne diseases like powdery scab or potato wart can persist for decades, making future potato cultivation nearly impossible in that area. Therefore, gardeners should only buy “certified” seed potatoes.
Certification means the stock has undergone rigorous inspection by an official agency for purity and freedom from a defined list of pathogens. This process involves starting with disease-free tissue culture, growing it into minitubers in a controlled environment, and then increasing it in the field. Certification tags ensure the tubers meet strict tolerances for fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, providing the best defense against crop failure.
Sourcing Options: Local and Regional Retailers
Visiting local and regional retail outlets is a convenient option for acquiring seed stock, allowing for immediate purchase and inspection. Garden centers and hardware stores typically stock certified seed potatoes during the late winter and early spring. These locations are ideal for purchasing smaller quantities, especially for gardeners with limited space or those trying a new variety.
Farm supply stores and smaller nurseries also provide practical sources, sometimes offering localized planting advice. While this method bypasses shipping costs and delays, the selection is usually limited to common varieties appropriate for the immediate climate. Availability is strictly seasonal, meaning purchases must be planned early before the stock sells out.
Sourcing Options: Online and Mail Order Specialists
Ordering from online and mail-order specialists is necessary for gardeners seeking greater variety or larger volumes. Large national seed companies and specialized potato farms offer expansive catalogs, including heirloom, specialty, and rare varieties not found locally. This method is often the only way to acquire specific types suited for unique culinary purposes or growing conditions.
These specialists usually guarantee certified stock and can provide bulk quantities for larger plantings. The drawback is the cost of shipping and the timing constraint, as orders must be placed well in advance of the spring planting season. Upon arrival, tubers should be immediately inspected for any damage or signs of rot.
Selecting the Right Variety for Your Garden
After securing certified stock, select a variety that meets your needs for timing and culinary use. Potato varieties are broadly classified by their maturity rate: Early, Mid-Season, and Late-Season.
Early Varieties
Early varieties, sometimes called first earlies, mature in the shortest time frame, often 75 to 90 days. They are typically best eaten fresh, such as the thin-skinned Norland or Irish Cobbler.
Mid-Season Varieties
Mid-Season potatoes, or second earlies, take slightly longer, maturing around 95 to 110 days. They offer a balance between early harvest and better storage potential; Yukon Gold is a popular example.
Late-Season Varieties
Late-Season types, also known as maincrop, require the longest growing period, from 120 to 135 days. They produce larger tubers suited for long-term winter storage. Russet varieties, like Kennebec, are common maincrop potatoes known for their baking qualities.
Beyond timing, consider the culinary texture, which relates to the potato’s starch content. High-starch varieties like Russets are mealy and fluffy, ideal for mashing or baking. Low-starch, waxy types, such as Fingerlings, hold their shape well for salads and roasting. Selecting based on both maturity and end-use maximizes the value of your planting effort.