Storage for Short-Dormancy Potatoes

Lamb Abbey Orchards · August 6, 2009

I've got a question about potato storage.

I understand that for the typical home gardener who wants to save some potatoes for planting the following year that one generally goes about it by burying the seed potatoes in sand that's kept slightly damp and stored in a cool dark place.

I'm curious how well this works though with short-dormancy potatoes. If you're planting something like a Red Gold that will typically break dormancy after about 3 months or so, will you really be able to keep the tubers dormant by the traditional method, or are there additional things one should be doing to ensure you don't have have tubers breaking dormancy prematurely?

Any feedback appreciated!

John

August 6, 2009	#1
Lamb Abbey Orchards Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Union, Maine / Coastal Zone 5 Posts: 44	Storage for Short-Dormancy Potatoes I've got a question about potato storage. I understand that for the typical home gardener who wants to save some potatoes for planting the following year that one generally goes about it by burying the seed potatoes in sand that's kept slightly damp and stored in a cool dark place. I'm curious how well this works though with short-dormancy potatoes. If you're planting something like a Red Gold that will typically break dormancy after about 3 months or so, will you really be able to keep the tubers dormant by the traditional method, or are there additional things one should be doing to ensure you don't have have tubers breaking dormancy prematurely? Any feedback appreciated! John