Can You Plant Potatoes That Have Sprouted?

Potatoes are a versatile food that can be cooked in various ways. Whether mashed, fried or boiled, they are among the most popular and affordable vegetables in the world. However, sometimes when you store potatoes for too long, they start to sprout from the eyes, leading you to wonder whether you can plant them to grow new potatoes.

The Answer is Yes

If you have potatoes that have sprouted or have some small eyes, you can plant them to grow new potatoes. Sprouting doesn't mean that the potatoes are no longer edible or that they have gone bad, but rather that the dormant potato's natural process of growth has begun. Therefore, sprouted potatoes can be planted and harvested like normal potatoes.

The Proper Way to Plant Sprouted Potatoes

Before planting, it's important to prepare the planting area properly. Potatoes like moist, loose soil that is rich in organic matter, so mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve it if necessary. Once the soil is prepared, you can then follow these steps:

Cut the potato into pieces, with each piece having at least one or two sprouts.

Allow the cut pieces to dry out and form a callous coating for two days, which helps to prevent rotting once planted.

Plant the pieces in loose soil with sprouts facing up, about four inches deep and twelve inches apart.

Water the soil thoroughly and then apply a layer of mulch over the soil to suppress weeds and maintain moisture levels.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and within two weeks, you should see the sprouts emerge through the soil.

Caring for Sprouted Potatoes

Once the potatoes start to grow, it is important to take care of them properly to have a successful harvest. Here are some tips for caring for your sprouted potatoes:

Water regularly, making sure the soil stays moist, but not too wet.

Hill up the soil around the potatoes as they grow to keep the developing potatoes covered with soil, preventing them from turning green and inedible.

Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer when they start to grow, and again when the plants begin to flower.

Watch for pests and diseases and take prompt action to prevent or control any issues that arise.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, planting potatoes that have sprouted can be an excellent way to grow your own potatoes at home. As long as you prepare the soil properly and follow the correct planting and care procedures, you'll have an abundance of delicious potatoes to enjoy. With a little patience and effort, you can turn sprouted potatoes from a problem into a tasty and rewarding experience.