What You Need to Know

January may feel early in the gardening calendar, but it is one of the most important times to buy seed potatoes in the UK. While planting usually begins later in the season, purchasing seed potatoes now allows gardeners to prepare properly, choose from the widest range of varieties, and ensure strong crops later in the year.

 

 

Why Buy Seed Potatoes in January?

Buying seed potatoes early offers several advantages:

• Best choice of varieties before popular lines sell out
• Time to chit potatoes properly before planting
• Better planning for succession planting and harvest times
• Reduced risk of last-minute shortages in spring

Seed potatoes bought in January are not planted immediately. Instead, they are prepared and stored correctly until planting conditions improve.

 

 

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are specially grown and certified potatoes used for planting rather than eating. They are produced under strict controls to reduce the risk of disease and ensure healthy, productive crops.

Using certified seed potatoes helps to:

• Improve crop reliability
• Reduce disease risk in soil
• Produce higher yields 

 

 

Understanding the Three Types of Seed Potatoes

Seed potatoes are grouped by harvest time: First Earlies, Second Earlies and Maincrop.

First Earlies

• Fastest to grow 
• Typically ready to harvest 10–12 weeks after planting
• Best for salads and early crops

Examples include Accord, Pentland Javelin, Maris Bard and Red Duke of York.

Second Earlies

• Harvested around 13–15 weeks after planting 
• Good all-rounders for boiling, salads and light roasting 

Popular varieties include Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer, Nicola and Nadine.

Maincrop

• Longest growing season (15–22 weeks) 
• Best for roasting, baking, mashing and storing 

Well-known maincrop varieties include Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree, Cara and blight-resistant options such as Sarpo Mira.

 

 

How to Prepare Seed Potatoes (Chitting)

Chitting encourages seed potatoes to produce strong shoots before planting.

How to chit seed potatoes:

1) Place potatoes in a tray or egg box with the shoots facing upwards
2) Store in a cool, light, frost-free location 
3) Allow shoots to grow to around 2–3cm before planting

Chitting usually takes several weeks, which is why January is the ideal time to start.

 

 

When to Plant Seed Potatoes in the UK

• First Earlies: March (earlier in mild areas or under cover) 
• Second Earlies: Late March to early April 
• Maincrop: April 

Planting dates may vary depending on location and weather conditions. Avoid planting into cold, waterlogged or frozen soil.

 

 

Seed Potatoes Available In Store Now

A wide range of First Earlies, Second Earlies and Maincrop seed potatoes is available in store now, with prices starting from £3.59, and premium varieties available at slightly higher price points.

Buying early ensures the best selection and allows gardeners time to prepare for a successful growing season!