How to Grow Potatoes from Potatoes: Complete Guide

Growing potatoes from potatoes is simple: cut seed potatoes into pieces with 1-2 eyes each, let them cure for 24-48 hours, then plant 4 inches deep in well-draining soil with eyes facing up. Water consistently and hill soil around stems as they grow. Harvest new potatoes in 70-90 days or wait for full maturity at 90-120 days.

Have you ever wondered what to do with that sprouting potato at the back of your pantry? Instead of tossing it, you can transform it into a thriving potato plant with minimal effort. Growing potatoes from potatoes—technically called "seed potatoes"—is one of the most accessible gardening projects for beginners. This guide reveals the exact steps to successfully cultivate your own potatoes, whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a container on your balcony.

What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into planting, gather these essential items. You'll need certified disease-free seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes), a well-draining soil mix with pH 5.0-6.0, gardening gloves, a trowel, and optionally, containers or raised beds if space is limited. The University of Minnesota Extension confirms that using certified seed potatoes reduces disease risk by 75% compared to supermarket potatoes.

Material	Why It Matters	Pro Tip
Certified seed potatoes	Guaranteed disease-free and bred for planting	Avoid grocery store potatoes treated with sprout inhibitors
Loose, well-draining soil	Prevents tuber rot and encourages root development	Mix garden soil with compost (30%) and sand (20%)
Container (if needed)	Enables potato growing in small spaces	Use 15-gallon fabric pots with drainage holes

Selecting the Right Potato Varieties

Not all potatoes grow equally well in every climate. Early varieties like 'Yukon Gold' mature in 70-90 days and work well in cooler climates, while late-season types such as 'Kennebec' need 110-130 days and thrive in warmer regions. According to the Oregon State University Extension, matching your potato variety to your local frost dates increases success rates by 40%. Consider your growing season length and local climate when selecting seed potatoes.

Preparing Your Potato Seeds

Chitting (pre-sprouting) gives your potatoes a crucial head start. Place whole seed potatoes in an egg carton with eyes facing up in a cool, bright location for 2-4 weeks until sprouts reach 0.5-1 inch. When cutting larger potatoes into pieces, ensure each section has 1-2 healthy eyes and weighs at least 1.5-2 ounces. The Penn State Extension recommends letting cut pieces cure for 24-48 hours in a humid environment to form protective calluses that prevent rot after planting.

Planting Your Potatoes Correctly

Timing is critical for successful potato growth. Plant when soil temperature reaches 45-50°F (7-10°C) at 4-inch depth—typically 2-4 weeks before your last frost date. Dig trenches 3-4 inches deep, place seed pieces 12 inches apart with eyes facing up, and cover with 3 inches of soil. For container growing, fill pots halfway with soil mix, add potatoes, then continue hilling as plants grow. The University of Wisconsin Extension notes that planting too deep delays emergence, while planting too shallow exposes developing tubers to sunlight, causing greening.

Caring for Growing Potato Plants

Consistent moisture is essential—potatoes need 1-2 inches of water weekly, especially during tuber formation (when flowers appear). Water deeply 2-3 times weekly rather than daily light sprinkles. Hilling (mounding soil around stems) should begin when plants reach 6-8 inches tall, covering all but the top leaves to protect developing tubers from sunlight. Repeat hilling every 2-3 weeks until plants flower. Research from Oregon State University shows proper hilling increases yields by 25% by creating more space for tuber development.

Harvesting Your Homegrown Potatoes

Timing your harvest correctly determines flavor and storage potential. For 'new potatoes' with delicate skins, harvest 2-3 weeks after plants flower. For mature storage potatoes, wait until foliage yellows and dies back completely (typically 90-120 days after planting). Carefully dig with a fork, starting 8 inches from the stem to avoid piercing tubers. Allow harvested potatoes to cure in a cool, dark, humid location for 2 weeks before storing. The University of Minnesota Extension confirms that proper curing doubles storage life by thickening skins.

Avoiding Common Potato Growing Mistakes

Even experienced gardeners make these preventable errors. Planting grocery store potatoes often fails because they're treated with sprout inhibitors. Overwatering after planting causes rot, while inconsistent watering later leads to knobby or cracked tubers. Skipping hilling exposes potatoes to sunlight, turning them green and toxic. The Penn State Extension reports that rotating potato crops annually reduces disease incidence by 60%—never plant potatoes in the same spot two years running.

Growth Stage	Timeline	Critical Actions
Sprouting (Chitting)	2-4 weeks before planting	Store in bright, cool location; monitor sprout development
Planting	2-4 weeks before last frost	Soil temp 45-50°F; plant 3-4" deep; 12" spacing
Early Growth	2-6 weeks after planting	First hilling when 6-8" tall; consistent moisture
Tuber Formation	6-10 weeks after planting	Weekly deep watering; second hilling; watch for pests
Maturity	90-120 days after planting	Harvest after foliage dies; cure before storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular grocery store potatoes to grow more potatoes?

While possible, it's not recommended. Grocery store potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases. Certified seed potatoes are disease-free and specifically bred for planting, giving you a 75% higher success rate according to university extension research.

How deep should I plant potato pieces for best results?

Plant seed potato pieces 3-4 inches deep in loose soil. In cooler climates or early planting, 3 inches is sufficient. In warmer regions or later planting, go deeper to 4 inches to keep developing tubers cool. Never plant deeper than 6 inches, as this delays emergence and reduces yields.

Why are my homegrown potatoes small or misshapen?

Small or knobby potatoes usually indicate inconsistent watering during tuber formation (when plants flower), compacted soil restricting growth, or planting too shallow. Maintain consistent moisture (1-2 inches weekly), ensure loose soil with good drainage, and proper hilling to create adequate space for tuber development.

How long does it take to grow potatoes from planting to harvest?

Early varieties take 70-90 days for 'new potatoes' or 90-100 days for full-size storage potatoes. Mid-season types require 90-110 days, while late-season varieties need 110-130 days. The exact timeline depends on variety, climate, and whether you're harvesting new potatoes or waiting for full maturity when foliage dies back.

What's the best way to store homegrown potatoes for long-term use?

After curing for 2 weeks in a cool, dark, humid location, store potatoes in complete darkness at 45-50°F (7-10°C) with 85-90% humidity. Use ventilated containers like cardboard boxes with holes, and check weekly for spoiled potatoes. Properly stored potatoes can last 6-8 months in home conditions.