Planting Sprouting Potatoes: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Yes, you can successfully plant sprouting potatoes—in fact, pre-sprouted potatoes often yield stronger plants and higher harvests. This guide reveals exactly how to transform grocery store potatoes with eyes into a thriving garden crop using proven techniques that deliver results in 90-120 days with minimal equipment.

That forgotten potato in your pantry with long, green sprouts isn't waste—it's a free gardening opportunity. Planting sprouting potatoes bypasses the traditional seed potato waiting period, giving you a head start on your harvest. Thousands of home gardeners have discovered this sustainable method produces robust plants with proper technique, and you can too.

Why Sprouted Potatoes Make Excellent Garden Starts

Sprouted potatoes have already broken dormancy, meaning they're biologically primed for growth. Unlike dormant seed potatoes that may take 3-4 weeks to emerge, pre-sprouted tubers typically show green growth within 7-10 days of planting. The Royal Horticultural Society confirms that "chitting" (pre-sprouting) improves yield by up to 25% compared to planting unsprouted tubers.

Planting Method	Time to Emergence	Average Yield Increase	Best For
Pre-sprouted potatoes	7-10 days	20-25%	Cooler climates, short seasons
Unsprouted seed potatoes	21-28 days	Baseline	Warmer climates, longer seasons
Grocery store potatoes	Variable	10-15% lower*	Emergency planting only

*Grocery store potatoes often have sprout inhibitors; yields typically lower than certified seed potatoes

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing Your Sprouting Potatoes

Not all sprouted potatoes make good planting candidates. Follow these selection criteria:

• Sprout quality: Choose potatoes with short (1-2 inch), sturdy sprouts that are green or purple-tinged (indicating exposure to light). Avoid potatoes with long, white, wispy sprouts which indicate poor light conditions.
• Tuber condition: Discard any potatoes showing signs of rot, deep wrinkles, or extensive greening (which indicates solanine buildup).
• Variety matters: Russets and Yukon Golds generally perform better than waxy varieties for home growing. Certified seed potatoes outperform grocery store potatoes due to disease resistance.

For optimal results, continue the pre-sprouting process for 2-3 weeks before planting. Place potatoes in a single layer in an egg carton with sprouts facing up, in a cool (60-70°F), bright location. This develops"chits"—thick, compact sprouts that withstand planting better than fragile, elongated ones.

Step 2: Planting Your Sprouted Potatoes

Timing and technique determine your harvest success. Follow this planting sequence:

When to Plant Sprouted Potatoes

Plant 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost date when soil temperature reaches 45°F. In warmer zones (7+), plant in early spring or late summer for fall harvest. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map provides specific timing for your region.

Soil Preparation Essentials

Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter:

• Amend soil with 3-4 inches of compost worked to 8-inch depth
• Maintain pH between 5.0-6.0 (slightly acidic)
• Avoid fresh manure which can cause scab disease

Planting Technique That Maximizes Yield

Place each sprouted potato with sprouts facing up, 3-4 inches deep in loose soil. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. For container growing, use 5-gallon buckets with drainage holes, filling halfway with potting mix before planting.

Growth Stage	Timeline After Planting	Critical Actions
Emergence	7-14 days	Monitor for pests, maintain consistent moisture
Vegetative growth	2-6 weeks	Hill soil around stems, apply balanced fertilizer
Tuber formation	6-10 weeks	Increase hilling, maintain even watering
Maturity	90-120 days	Reduce watering, wait for foliage yellowing

Step 3: Care for Maximum Harvest

Proper maintenance separates modest yields from abundant harvests:

Hilling: The Secret to Bigger Potatoes

When plants reach 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around the base to cover all but the top leaves. Repeat every 2-3 weeks until plants flower. This technique:

• Prevents greening of tubers from sun exposure
• Creates more space for tuber development
• Suppresses weed competition
• Improves drainage around developing potatoes

Watering Wisdom

Maintain consistent moisture—1-2 inches of water weekly. Critical periods for watering:

• During sprout emergence (first 2 weeks)
• During flowering (tuber formation phase)
• Avoid overwatering as harvest approaches

Organic Pest and Disease Prevention

Prevent common potato problems with these methods:

• Colorado potato beetles: Hand-pick adults and larvae; use floating row covers
• Blights: Rotate crops annually; avoid overhead watering; remove affected foliage
• Scab: Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid high-pH soils
• Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs with companion planting

Harvesting Your Homegrown Potatoes

Timing your harvest correctly ensures maximum storage life:

• New potatoes: Harvest 7-8 weeks after planting when plants flower (small, thin-skinned)
• Main crop: Wait until foliage yellows and dies back (90-120 days)
• Dry soil thoroughly before harvesting to prevent rot
• Cure harvested potatoes in dark, humid conditions (50-60°F) for 10-14 days

Store cured potatoes in a cool (45-50°F), dark, well-ventilated space. Properly stored main crop potatoes can last 6-8 months. Check monthly for any rotting tubers and remove them immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Sprouted Potato Problems

Address these frequent issues promptly:

• Yellowing leaves: Could indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or early blight. Test soil moisture and apply balanced fertilizer.
• Poor sprout development: Often caused by insufficient light during pre-sprouting. Move to brighter location.
• Small tuber size: Usually results from inadequate hilling, poor soil nutrition, or overcrowding.
• Green spots on tubers: Caused by sun exposure. Always hill properly and harvest promptly after foliage dies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant potatoes that have sprouted in my pantry?

Yes, pantry-sprouted potatoes can be planted successfully. For best results, continue the sprouting process for 2-3 weeks in a bright location to develop sturdy 'chits' before planting. Avoid potatoes with long, white sprouts or signs of rot.

How deep should I plant sprouted potatoes?

Plant sprouted potatoes 3-4 inches deep initially, with sprouts facing upward. As plants grow, hill soil around the stems until the mound reaches 8-10 inches high. This technique prevents tubers from greening and creates more space for development.

Do sprouted potatoes produce more than unsprouted ones?

Yes, pre-sprouted potatoes typically yield 20-25% more than unsprouted ones. The Royal Horticultural Society confirms that 'chitting' gives plants a head start, with emergence occurring in 7-10 days versus 3-4 weeks for unsprouted tubers, leading to stronger plants and higher harvests.

Can I use grocery store potatoes for planting?

While possible, grocery store potatoes often have sprout inhibitors and higher disease risk. Certified seed potatoes are recommended for best results. If using grocery potatoes, select organic varieties (less likely to be treated) and discard any showing signs of rot or excessive greening.

How long does it take to grow potatoes from sprouted tubers?

From planting sprouted potatoes to harvest takes 90-120 days depending on variety. New potatoes can be harvested 7-8 weeks after planting when plants flower, while main crop potatoes should wait until foliage yellows and dies back for maximum storage life.