Seed potatoes for delicious fresh potatoes from your own kitchen garden.
Buy Fresh Seed Potatoes At Garden- Select.com?
Seed potatoes come in different varieties. There are early, mid-early and late varieties. Early potatoes have a short growing period and are harvested before they are fully ripe. They do not store as long. Medium-early potatoes are harvested more ripe and can be stored until winter. Late potatoes have a longer growing period and can be stored throughout the winter. There are also firm-boiling or floury varieties. Firm potatoes have a fine texture and keep their shape perfectly after cooking. They are the potatoes of choice to serve boiled or baked. Floury potatoes fall apart when boiled and are suitable for almost all uses.
Required quantity of seed potatoes per 100 m2:
Size 25 / 28 - 8 kg
Size 28 / 35 - 10 kg
Size 28 / 40 - 12 kg
The seed potatoes will be delivered after mid-February. Depending on availability, this will take until about mid-May.
Organic seed potatoes are: Vitabella
Early seed potatoes are: Frieslander, Eersteling, Lucera
Mid-early seed potatoes are: Bernice, Vincenta
How to use
Once received, store the seed potatoes in boxes in a cool, not dark, frost-free place.
If you want to harvest earlier than usual you can pre-germinate the seed potatoes, this is usually done with early varieties. One will get short, firm sprouts by doing this.
The best remedy against potato fatigue is to apply a crop rotation, growing on the same soil no more than once every four years. Potatoes like heavy fertilisation and an extra gift of potash.
The best time to plant is mid-April. Make sure the soil is well loosened and plant the potato at a depth of about 6 to 8 cm.
You can start harvesting when the top leaves start dying off. Early varieties are harvested in June-July. The later varieties are harvested in August-September.
After harvesting, dehydrate the potatoes in the field, this will give them flavour. Then store cool and frost-free indoors. The optimum storage temperature is 4 degrees.
Tip: To prevent sprouting, store some onions between the potatoes. Onions secrete a gas, which reduces sprouting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seed Potatoes
What are the best seed potato varieties for a vegetable garden?
There are several seed potato varieties suitable for home gardens. Early potatoes like ‘Vitabella’ and ‘Bintje’ are popular for their taste and yield. For later harvests, varieties like ‘Frieslander’ are ideal. It's important to choose varieties that suit your soil type and climate.
How should I plant seed potatoes in my garden?
When planting seed potatoes, place them about 10 cm deep in the soil, leaving enough space between rows. Make sure the soil is not too wet to prevent potato diseases. It’s recommended to chit (pre-sprout) the potatoes 2–4 weeks before planting to increase yield.
What is the best time to plant potatoes?
Potatoes are best planted early in the year, typically around mid-March, when the risk of frost is minimal. This may vary by region. The ideal soil temperature should be between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius.
How many seed potatoes do I need for my vegetable garden?
The number depends on the size of your garden and your needs. On average, you’ll need about 3–5 seed potatoes per square meter. For a household, planting 10–20 seed potatoes is usually enough for a good harvest.
How can I prevent potato diseases in my garden?
To prevent potato diseases, use certified healthy seed potatoes and ensure good drainage. Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot as the previous year to reduce disease risk. Also, make sure there’s enough space between plants to improve air circulation.
When can I harvest my potatoes?
Potatoes can be harvested when the leaves start to wither and the tubers have developed well — usually 10–12 weeks after planting. Early varieties can be harvested sooner, while later types need more time. Check regularly to see if the tubers have reached the desired size.
What is the best way to grow potatoes in containers?
Growing potatoes in containers is a great option for small gardens or balconies. Use sturdy pots with drainage holes and fill them with quality potting soil. Plant the seed potatoes about 10 cm deep and cover them lightly at first. Add more soil as the plants grow to keep the tubers well covered.
How do I properly chit seed potatoes?
Chitting is easy: place the seed potatoes in a cool, well-lit spot a few weeks before planting. This encourages strong sprout development and improves the harvest. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the potatoes from drying out.