Can I plant store-bought potatoes that have eyes and roots? They were NOT seed potatoes.?
Answers:
Every fall my grandmother, god rest her soul, would buy a bag of Idaho Potatoes. She would put them in the garage where it was cold and "winter" them. In early spring she would take them out where it was warm and they would start to grow. She would take a paring knife and cut out a "cube" around the eye that had sprouted. She would then plant them in her garden, which was huge, in groups of four per mound. She always had potatoes to last her through the winter and NEVER had any problem with them. I have even had potatoe plants sprout and form plants in my compost pile, which I have harvested. I hope this helps you out!
Good Luck!
Other answers:
Potatoes are susceptible to several serious diseases. Even though the potatoes you saved from the previous year, or the potatoes you see in the supermarket may appear healthy, they should not be used for your seed. Certified seed potatoes are disease free, and have been selected to give you the best results with the highest yields. Certified seed potatoes are available at most quality nurseries and garden centers. There are several different varieties of potatoes to choose from, each with it's own characteristics and qualities.
Potatoes are susceptible to several serious diseases. Even though the potatoes you saved from the previous year, or the potatoes you see in the supermarket may appear healthy, they should not be used for your seed. Certified seed potatoes are disease free, and have been selected to give you the best results with the highest yields. Certified seed potatoes are available at most quality nurseries and garden centers. There are several different varieties of potatoes to choose from, each with it's own characteristics and qualities.
Store potatoes are sprayed to retard growth so they don't start growing in the store. I think even though they sprout they would be weakened. Get seed potatoes from a seed store.
I've taken sprouted spuds and planted them. It works relatvely well.
If you want a *really* easy harvest, plant them directly in a compost pile. They thrive, and you can pull them up incredibly easily.