Sprouting Potato Tubers Before Planting: Which Method Is Better - In the Dark or in the Light

06.04.2023 15:26
Updated: 15.04.2023 03:24

Sprouting potatoes is a useful procedure.

It is necessary to detect diseases, increase the resistance of tubers to pests and viruses, and awaken potatoes after winter hibernation. In addition, it should be noted that sprouting helps to get an earlier and more abundant harvest.

The procedure can be started a month or a month and a half before planting. But you should not allow the sprouts to be too large.

There are two months. But which one to choose? It all depends on the goal.

First method

It involves sprouting in the dark. It is a more natural process that is suitable for those who want to get an earlier and more abundant potato harvest.

Potato
Photo: © Belnovosti

But it is important to understand that during the germination process the tubers may get some diseases. They will be immediately visible on the seed material. Such potatoes should be disposed of.

Method two

It involves sprouting tubers in diffused light.

In this case, solanine is produced. It can protect against some diseases and damage to the tuber by nematodes and wireworms, but it is unlikely to save from the Colorado potato beetle.

Author: Olga Kotova Internet resource editor

Content
  1. First method
  2. Method two