Seed Potatoes

Seed potatoes aren't actually seeds; they're tubers that you can use to grow new potatoes that will be genetically identical to the parent potato. Similar to any other seed, seed potatoes are potatoes whose purpose is to be replanted and eventually produce more potatoes. 

Buying seed potatoes

You can buy seed potatoes in many garden centers and also more and more  online. It is very important to know how the seed potatoes are stored to ensure the best quality. At Dutch Garden Seeds you can buy about 16 varieties of seed potatoes. Including 4 types of organic seed potatoes.

PLEASE NOTE!!! We ALWAYS charge shipping costs when purchasing seed potatoes. NL/BE/DE € 5,95 / FR € 9,95

History of the patato

The earliest accounts known of potatoes being cultivated date back to the Incan Indians in Peru sometime between 8000 BC and 5000 BC in the High Andes Mountains.  There are some who speculate that potatoes grew in the wild as far back as 10,000 BC. With the arrival of the Spanish Conquistador’s in 1532, the Peruvian potato was about to make history.  While searching for gold, the Spanish employed Incan men as miners, and observed them eating chuñu.  As time passed, they adopted chuñu as part of their ships provisioning and they took them back to Spain on return voyages over the next 40 years.  Some Spanish farmers cultivated potatoes as livestock feed.  From Spain, potatoes slowly spread to Italy and other European countries during the late 1500’s but the amount of suspicion and contempt for the potato was evident everywhere in Europe since its origins were from a heathen society.

How do you store seed potatoes?

To maintain the best quality, it is best to store the seed potatoes in a cooled room that is not too dark. High temperatures encourage premature sprouting and promotes decay. Make sure that it is a frost-free room. Bring the seed potatoes to room temperature a few weeks before planting. 

How to plant seed potatoes?

For every pound of seed potatoes you plant, expect to harvest three to five pounds of spuds in return!

They can be planted directly into the ground or in containers. Regardless of which seed potato-planting method you choose, select a site that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day.

Grow potatoes in rows spaced about 3 feet apart.

With a hoe or round-point shovel, dig a trench about 6 inches wide and 8 inches deep, tapering the bottom to about 3 inches wide.

Spread and mix in fully-rotted manure or organic compost in the bottom of the trench before planting. Light frost may kill any new growth above the soil line once they sprout, but don’t panic. This will not kill the potato plant and the potatoes will regrow their foliage quickly. 

When to Plant Seed Potatoes

They can be planted in the early spring two to four weeks prior to the expected last frost date in your area. Seed potatoes planted in soil that is too cold or soggy may rot. Generally, potatoes will not grow until the soil temperature has reached at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different types of seed potatoes 

There are many different types of seed potatoes. The most famous are:

• Eigenheimer
• Bintje
• Bildtstar
• Lekkerlander
• Roseval
• Texla
• Obama (resistant to Phytophthora)

We have most of these delicious varieties in our range and they will be in stock from the end of January.

Organic seed potatoes

Do you want to buy organic seed potatoes? Of course that’s also possible!

The organic seed potato varieties in our range are:

• Organic Sevilla Seed Potato (resistant to phytophthora)
• Organic seed potato Raja/ Alouette (resistant to phytophthora)
• Organic seed potato Carolus (resistant to phytophthora)
• Organic Seed Potato Agria

When Harvesting potatoes? 

It takes about 80 to 100 days before you can harvest the potatoes. Of course, this also depends on the weather. How many potatoes you get from tuber also depends on the variety.

Potato diseases 

The most well-known disease is Phytophthora or potato blight.

Health benefits of potatoes

Potatoes contain important nutrients, even when cooked, that can benefit human health in various ways.
Potatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help you lose weight by keeping you full longer. Fiber can help prevent heart disease by keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Potatoes are also full of antioxidants that work to prevent diseases and vitamins that help your body function properly.

Shipping costs

Because we have to send the seed potatoes as a package, there are shipping costs. € 5.95 for destination NL/BE/DE and € 9.95 for destination France. Other countries € 17.50.