Sunplaza

Seed potato germination is a phenomenon that in most cases occurs with the arrival of spring. And this can be a problem for the future harvest. This often happens due to improper storage, when the temperature or humidity exceeds the norm.

What steps should be taken if potatoes have already sprouted ahead of time, experts explained. Premature germination of seed potatoes is not a sentence, but only a signal that adjustments need to be made to their storage and preparation for planting. It is important to take the necessary measures in a timely manner to preserve the quality of tubers and ensure a high yield.

Premature germination of seed potatoes is most often caused by several factors. First of all, it is too high a temperature – the optimal temperature regime for storing tubers is from +2 to +4°C. If the potatoes are stored warm (for example, in a basement or apartment with a temperature above +6°C), this contributes to early germination.

Another reason is high humidity – excessive moisture (over 85%) in the room also stimulates germination. In addition, even weak light can affect the process. Potato tubers are able to wake up even with short-term exposure to light. Finally, early-ripening potato varieties have a shorter dormancy period and can germinate earlier than later varieties. If potatoes start sprouting as early as February, they need to be dealt with immediately to preserve their quality before planting.

Main types of sprouts: which ones to leave

Not all sprouted sprouts are the same. There are two main types: short and strong sprouts (up to 2 cm) and long, thin and weak sprouts (over 5 cm). The first ones can be left, as they will contribute to the formation of healthy plants and a good harvest. At the same time, long and weak sprouts deplete the tuber and are unable to produce strong stems, so they must be broken off.

If there are sprouts on the potatoes that combine the characteristics of both types, you should carefully inspect them and leave only the best ones.

Steps to preserve sprouted potatoes

If your potatoes sprouted earlier, you need to carefully check the condition of the sprouts. If they are short and strong, do not touch them. If the sprouts are long and weak, you should carefully break them off. But this should be done no more than once so as not to deplete the tubers.

One important step is to change the storage conditions. Move the potatoes to a cooler place with a temperature of +2 to +4°C to stop further germination. You should also reduce the humidity: if the basement is too humid, ventilate the room or add dry sand near the potatoes.

Providing darkness for potatoes

It is equally important to limit the access of light to the tubers. Seed potatoes should be stored in a dark place so as not to stimulate further growth. A cellar or basement with constant darkness is an ideal place to store potatoes.

Hardening potatoes before planting

If there are still a few weeks left before planting, you can harden the potatoes. 2-3 weeks before planting, move the tubers to a bright room with a temperature of +12-+15°C. This will allow the potatoes to form short and strong sprouts, which will favorably affect the quality of the future harvest.

If the sprouted potatoes have long and weak sprouts, it is not recommended to plant them. They break off easily during planting, which can harm the development of the plants. In this case, carefully break off long sprouts and let the tubers lie in the light for several weeks before planting. This will help form new, shorter sprouts.

For potatoes with long sprouts or other defects, you can use the nesting method of planting. Place the tubers at a shallow depth and then gradually cover them with soil as the stems grow. This method helps to avoid problems during planting and provides more favorable conditions for plant development.