Q.
Hi there, can the seed potatoes harvested this year be stored for planting the following year? Or are they unable to be perpetually planted? Thanks, Steven.
A.
This is a great question. The answer is that it is not recommended to do this as the potatoes over time loose their vigour and key varietal attributes. Seed potatoes are grown specifically to be free from pest and disease and to have maximum vigour and yield, while yours would grow if you did this, the crop would be nowhere near as good. We recommend Tui Certified Seed Potatoes - these are certified to ensure they are true to type, and will grow a healthy crop.
Potatoes are gross feeders, so remember to feed every three to four weeks during key growth periods. For potatoes planted in garden beds feed with a specialty fertiliser like Tui Potato Food.
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Can I store potatoes harvested this year to plant next year? Comments
As an experiment you may like to try keeping a few in a paper bag in your refrigerater and bring them out about a week or so before planting - worth a try as commercial growers tend to put them in a chill situation some months before planting
Logan
I have grown potatoes from my own crop, not a huge success but still got some and yes every time I put some more dirt on them they got a feed of potato fertilser and a good watering in for the fertiliser to soak in.
Colleen
Im growing 5 different types of Maori spuds and im putting alot of effort into it ,i hope im going the right thing , gulp..
Perry Churcher
How do you store potatoes over the winter months?
Joseph Snyder
Hi Joseph, the best potatoes for storing are the main and late crop varieties such as Agria, Nadine, Heather and Ilam Hardy. The early varieties such as Rocket, Swift, Jersey Benne and Cliff Kidney do not store well. If you rub the skin of a potato and the skin comes away, it is not suitable for storing and so should be used first. The best way to store potatoes is in a cool dark well-ventilated place in either a sack, cardboard box or paper bag. Add some wood chips or shavings to the box, sack or bag to help absorb any moisture. Do not store in a plastic bag as they will sweat. Make sure the potatoes are clean, dry and that there are no blemishes on them as these could rot over time. Storing potatoes in the fridge is not recommended.
Lianne