Potato Seeds

(Solanum tuberosum)

Certified Seed Potatoes
Potatoes are grown from "seed potatoes" — whole tubers or pieces specially produced for planting. To prepare for planting, cut larger tubers into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one or two healthy eyes. Allow the cut surfaces to dry and form a callous for a day or two to help prevent rotting once planted.
Plant potatoes in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Tubers should be placed around 10–15cm deep, with shoots pointing upward, and spaced about 30cm apart. As plants grow, mounding soil around the stems (known as hilling) helps protect developing tubers and encourages a larger harvest.
Potatoes are ready to harvest once plants flower and the skins of the tubers have firmed. Starting with certified seed potatoes gives the best results — producing healthier plants, stronger growth, and higher yields compared to planting supermarket potatoes.