About Potato
A true stem tuber. 'Seed potatoes' are tubers, which carry buds in their eyes. Chitting sets short sturdy sprouts before planting.
Depth and spacing
Typical range: 10-15 cm deep and 30 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the tuber; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 12.5 cm deep and 30 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.
When to plant
Chit, then plant a few weeks before the last frost. Chit indoors: 8 weeks to 4 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant: 4 weeks to 1 week before your last spring frost. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.
Dividing and propagating
Cut large seed potatoes so each piece has at least two eyes, and let the cuts dry before planting. Small whole tubers are safest.
Lifting and storing
Harvest when foliage dies back, cure skins, store cool, dark and frost-free. Do not eat green or sprouted tubers; green skin contains solanine.