Potato seed - storage

[evildrwallace]

Hi all

I am growing some potatoes this year but am anticipating having seed left over. Does anyone know if it's possible to store it (in a way that stops it sprouting this year) for use next year?

[Mick Mac]

Ask my mate Paddy. He knows loads about potatoes.

[evildrwallace]

Mick - given that i am from potato land i already feel like a cultural outcast having put the question!

PS - In case anyone is wondering what the answer to the original question is.......according to the supplier they can't be stored for next year.

[Laddy Muck]

As far as I know you cannot store seed potato - not that I've ever tried. It naturally wants to grow at this time of year. What I would say is, if they are first earlies, you can save space by planting them closer together than normal and harvest them extra early for some small (but super early) new potatoes. As you harvest some, you will make room for the remainder to swell to normal size.

Oh, and don't worry about Mick Mac, he's harmless - and from another planet.

[AbDabs]

You can certainly delay sprouting by a few weeks by putting them in a domestic fridge but the constant temperature, perfect darkness, and humidity control to fool them into thinking that winter hasn't ended for any longer time would cost you more in electricity than new seed potatoes next year.

[evildrwallace]

Thanks all - I'll plant what i can and give the rest away.