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Seed Savers Exchange does not currently betray potato seed , genus Tuber , or white potato vine plants but offer up dozens of varieties onThe Exchange .
How to Grow Potatoes
This versatile craw originated in South America C ago and today order as the most popular vegetable in the United States . nerveless - season vegetables , white potato hail in a smashing reach of configuration , sizes , colors , and textures and are most often grown from little tubers cognise as “ source potatoes ” .
Time of Planting
Sow potatoes outdoors 2 - 3 weeks after your last freeze .
Spacing Requirements
Tubers should be planted at a deepness of 6 - 8 inches and between 1 and 2 feet apart . Rows should be spaced 3 foot apart . Plant each piece of potato cut side down , with the oculus point up .
Time to Germination
Germination typically occurs between 14 and 28 twenty-four hour period .
Special Considerations
A week or two before your planting date , put your seed Solanum tuberosum in an area where they will be exposed to light and temperatures between 60 - 70 degree Fahrenheit to begin the sprouting process . Potatoes smaller than a golf orchis can be planted whole .
For larger spud : 1 - 2 days before planting , use a sharp , fair tongue to slit into pieces close to 2 inches straight , each bear at least 1 or 2 centre . In a mean solar day or so , slurred callus will organize over the cut , which will help prevent rotting .
industrial plant tubers in light , loose , and well - drained grime in full Lord’s Day . Potatoes do well when planted in a 6 - 8 inch trench , cover with 4 inches of soil . Continue to cover with soil as the plants grow , “ hilling ” them as they grow .
Potatoes can tolerate a short frost ; however , they will want tribute if a hard , former - season freeze come . Keep Irish potato vines watered — about one to two inches of water or rainwater per week — throughout the summertime , specially during the period when the plant life are flowering and forthwith following the flowering point . When the leafage turns chicken and begins to buy the farm back , give up lacrimation .
Common Pests and Diseases
murphy are very susceptible to virus . Always select a planting site with honorable flow of air and leave the recommend place between plants . Potatoes should be rotated in the garden , never being acquire in the same pip until there has been a 3 to 4 - year absence of the crop . harvest revolution will help to keep a buildup of disease , and will stave off septic plants springing up undetected from Solanum tuberosum genus Tuber that were missed during a previous year ’s harvesting .
When and How to Harvest for Food Consumption
Harvest babe potatoes 2 - 3 workweek after the flora have complete bloom . Gently apprehend around the plant life to remove potato for fresh eating , being careful not to be too intrusive . Remove the big new potatoes and bequeath the smaller ones in situation so they can continue to spring up .
Eating
A culinary staple , Solanum tuberosum can be boiled , mashed , sautéed , fried , and cooked au gratin .
Storing
Store potatoes in a well - ventilated , dreary , and nerveless area in temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees F. Some variety keep better than others , with varieties like Carola and Russets being exceptional keeper .
How to Save Potato Tubers for Seed Stock
Home gardeners can redeem potato tubers each year for several generations . Save the very best Irish potato for planting . You may determine that after several years the size commence to decrease ; this is typical . spud are very susceptible to viruses . If you are looking for maximal yields , it is best to start with fresh , USDA Certified Seed Stock every twelvemonth .
Read more tips from SSE’s gardening crew on how to grow potatoes for a healthy and bountiful harvest.
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