The potato is a vegetable that few people do not like. Its many uses and neutral but interesting taste make it the most important tuber, at least in some countries of the world. Learn all about how to grow potatoes from potatoes in this article.
The potato plant, also known as Solanum tuberosum is very ancient. It is believed to have originated in South America about 8000 years before Christ, specifically in the Andean highlands. During the Spanish conquests, the potato was brought from Peru to Spain and the rest is history. There are more than 5000 varieties of potato and each country has one that is the most common, however in Peru alone you can find about 1500 varieties.
Growing potatoes from potatoes are very easy, you just need to follow some instructions on how to grow potatoes from potatoes and have patience.
How to Grow Potatoes from Potatoes
How to Grow Potatoes from Potatoes? Place the potatoes you want to grow in a cool space with natural light for 6 weeks, or until you see the sprouts appear. It is advisable to start this process once the last frost has passed (ideal potato sowing season).
If you want small potatoes, leave 5 or more sprouts on your potatoes, but if you want large ones, remove the sprouts until there are only 3 per potato. You can also cut potatoes into pieces, leaving one sprout per piece.
This is one of the easiest potato germination processes available. And it will be great for you to start growing potatoes from potatoes at home; something that, you will see, is not as complicated as you might think.
Of course, if you have access to seed potatoes, you can also try to germinate them and get the sprouts that you will then plant in pots or soil. Plant potatoes without fear! Learn more about When Are Potatoes Ready to Harvest.
How to Grow Sprouted Potatoes
One of the easiest ways to grow seedless potatoes is to take advantage of a sprouted potato. This way you avoid the sprouting process, and you only have to start with the sprouted potato by following the same steps detailed above. This is the way to grow potatoes from potatoes. You will start to grow potatoes from sprouted potatoes.
The soil for potatoes must be fertile. The potato plant requires aerated soils, rich in organic matter, well-drained, and at least 24” (60 cm) deep. They adapt to both land and pots, so you do not need much space to have a potato plant. If you decide to do it in soil, without pots, you should introduce the potatoes at distances of 8” (20 cm). Learn more about How to Grow Potatoes in a Pot. Potato sowing time is spring in temperate climates and late winter in warm climates.
– The sowing process is very simple, introduce the potato between 2” and 4” (5 and 10 cm) under the soil with the sprouting upwards.
– Then water a little every day and with time you will see that the plant will develop. Potatoes grow underground, so it will be a surprise until the potato harvest time how much and how big your production will be.
It is part of the popular wisdom that sprouted or green potatoes should not be eaten, as they contain solanine which can be very toxic, even in small amounts.
How Many Potatoes per Plant?
How Many Potatoes per Plant? Well, it depends on many factors, the climate, the plant, and the care, but the potato plant can produce from 2 to 10 potatoes, although in optimal conditions it can reach the incredible amount of 20 tubers.
Care Potato Plant
Care Potato Plant. Like all plants, the potato requires some special care. It is an interesting crop for those who are beginning as gardeners, growing their own food. Here is a list of my recommended tips for potato plant care.
Eliminate weeds: In this way, you will avoid pests, diseases, and nutrients that should go to the potato plant. Old and/or sick leaves should be removed from the potato plant.
Weekly watering: You should keep the soil moist, but not overwatered. Otherwise, your potatoes could rot, and it will be a disappointment to go to harvest and not be able to enjoy them.
Grow aromatic plants: This way you will avoid diseases and pests. Mint and rosemary are some outstanding options to prevent pests and diseases on your potato plantation.
Cover them if necessary: If you notice that the potatoes are growing above the surface, cover them with soil, because they should always grow underneath.
You already know how to grow potatoes from potatoes and their care, now you only have to wait between 3 and 5 months after sowing, you will notice that the leaves turn yellow, at that moment you should stop watering and wait between 5 and 10 days to harvest.
