Potato seeds: how to get pure varieties

Potato berries contain seeds from which new plants can be grown. However, this is a slow, labor-intensive method and less effective than simple vegetative propagation. A vegetable grown from tubers will be an exact genetic clone of the parent plant. Potatoes grown from seeds will not grow into clones and will have different characteristics from the original plant.

Preparation, pros and cons

To grow potatoes from seeds, separate them from the berries. Gently crush the berries, then place them in water for 3-4 days. This mixture will begin to ferment. Drain the resulting floating fermentation mixture. Viable seeds will soon sink to the bottom; rinse them well and let them dry on a paper towel. Store in a cool, dry place until planting.

Growing potatoes from seed has both advantages and disadvantages. Pros:

• low price of planting material;
• less susceptible to disease;
• seeds are available all year round;
• long-term storage;
• much easier to store and transport.

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But you'll have to face some difficulties. Cons:

• Vegetable uniformity is lower due to genetic variability;
• higher temperatures are needed for sowing seeds;
• longer growing season.

There are several ways to help seeds germinate:

• soak;
• temperature alternation;
• gibberellic acid treatment;
• adding activated carbon.

Soak the seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours before sowing. This ensures they receive sufficient water. The ideal temperature for potato seedling growth is around 16°C (61°F). Alternating between 18°C ​​(64°F) and 13°C (for 12 hours each) will be more effective for germinating dormant seeds. Germination is significantly increased by treating the seeds with gibberellic acid. A 24-hour soak can result in over 90% germination. Adding activated charcoal to the growing medium improves germination.

Growing technology

Seedlings should be grown in a greenhouse from late March to early April. Add 1 cm of sterilized seed starting mix to the tray. Moisten with water and place the seedlings on top of the soil, then sprinkle with vermiculite. The seeds will develop into seedlings in 6-10 days. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 15-27°C (59-80°F).

When more than one leaf appears on the seedlings, transplant them into pots or cups with drainage holes. Regular watering and weeding are essential. Fertilize the plants with ammonium nitrate during rooting. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination. A drainage layer is necessary to prevent excess water from collecting. Watering is recommended before midday so the foliage has time to dry by evening.

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Since a long stem is required to facilitate transplantation, it is recommended to keep the seedlings in the light for approximately 12 hours a day. During the last week, the seedlings are exposed to full daylight to strengthen the stems. At the right temperature, the sprouts will be ready 4-6 weeks after sowing. It is important not to overexpose the seedlings for more than 8 weeks to minimize the risk of tuber formation, which disrupts the seedlings' growth pattern.

As soon as the last frost has passed, the seedlings can be planted in open ground. Add 300 g of compost and 0.5 liters of water to 10 cm deep holes. The seedlings are planted in the soil, leaving only the tops exposed. When the sprouts reach 10-15 cm in height, it is recommended to add fertilizer and hill them up. After 3-4 weeks, repeat the hilling process.

If potatoes need to be stored indefinitely, remove the leaves three weeks before harvest. This will strengthen the skin and help them store better, as a thicker skin will reduce water loss from the tubers. They can be stored in a dark place with high humidity for up to 2-3 months.

Since potato seedlings don't have tubers to store energy, these plants are more delicate. Careful attention is needed to ensure they receive sufficient water, are free of weed competition, and are maintained at the correct temperature. Following all recommendations typically results in 75% germination.