No, potatoes are not fertilized when green sprouts appear. These green sprouts, or “eyes,” signal that the potato is ready for planting. Fertilization occurs before planting and during the growing phase.
Why Does My Potato Have Green Sprouts?
Green sprouts, or “eyes,” are the first signs of growth on a potato. They form when the potato senses the right conditions for growth. The sprouting happens in storage or when the potato has been left out for a while. The green color comes from chlorophyll, which is a natural pigment in plants.
Sprouts tell you that the potato is ready to be planted. This means the potato has entered the growing phase. It is not time to fertilize yet. Potatoes grow from tubers, not seeds.
When you plant sprouted potatoes, these sprouts will eventually turn into stems and leaves. Fertilization comes later in the growth cycle, not when sprouts first appear.
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When to Fertilize Potatoes
You should fertilize potatoes at two key times: before planting and during growth.
- Before Planting: Fertilize the soil before planting your sprouted potatoes. You can mix fertilizer into the soil to give your potatoes the nutrients they need. A balanced fertilizer works well. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the main nutrients. Potatoes also benefit from organic matter like compost or aged manure.
- During Growth: Fertilize potatoes again when the plants are about six inches tall. This gives them the extra nutrients they need to grow larger and stronger. Focus on fertilizers with less nitrogen at this stage. Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth but slows down tuber development. A fertilizer that’s higher in phosphorus and potassium is a better choice.
How to Fertilize Potatoes
Knowing how to apply fertilizer is important. Here’s a simple guide:
- Before Planting: Work the fertilizer into the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This ensures that nutrients are available for the potato roots as they grow.
- During Growth: Apply fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plants. Do not put it directly on the stems or leaves. Fertilizer can burn the plant if applied too closely. Water the plants after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the roots.
What Fertilizer Should You Use?
Potatoes need a balance of nutrients, but too much of one can hurt growth. Here’s what to consider:
- Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is good for leafy growth. But too much nitrogen can cause potatoes to grow lots of leaves and fewer tubers. A good rule is to use nitrogen-rich fertilizer before planting but switch to a lower-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season.
- Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus helps with root and tuber development. Potatoes need a steady supply of phosphorus to form healthy tubers. Fertilizers with higher phosphorus levels are best during the middle of the growing season.
- Potassium (K): Potassium helps plants manage water and resist disease. It also supports tuber formation. Potassium-rich fertilizers are ideal once the potato plants are established.
Can Green Sprouts Be a Problem?
Green sprouts are a sign of a healthy potato ready to grow, but they can also become a problem if left unchecked. If the sprouts grow too long before planting, they can become weak. Long, leggy sprouts break off easily and may not establish well in the soil.
If you notice very long sprouts, carefully break them off before planting. This encourages the potato to produce new, shorter, and stronger shoots after planting.
Sprouted potatoes are also more prone to turning green. When potatoes are exposed to too much light, they produce chlorophyll, which gives them a green color. While chlorophyll itself isn’t harmful, green potatoes may also contain a toxin called solanine.
Solanine can make potatoes taste bitter and may cause digestive problems if eaten in large amounts. To avoid this, store your sprouted potatoes in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant them.
What to Do With Potatoes That Are Sprouting?
Sometimes, potatoes sprout before you’re ready to plant them. If this happens, don’t worry. You can manage early sprouts in a few simple ways:
- Store in a Dark, Cool Place: Place sprouted potatoes in a dark area to slow down the sprouting process. Cooler temperatures, between 45 and 55°F, are best.
- Trim Long Sprouts: If the sprouts have grown too long, you can trim them back. Cut them down to about half an inch long. This helps reduce breakage and encourages stronger growth after planting.
- Plan to Plant Soon: If your potatoes have sprouted, it’s a good idea to plant them within a few weeks. Potatoes with green sprouts are ready to be planted. Don’t wait too long, or the sprouts may weaken.
How to Care for Potato Plants
After planting sprouted potatoes, care for the plants by watering, weeding, and occasionally fertilizing. Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when the plants begin to flower. This is when the tubers start forming. Water deeply but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can cause the tubers to rot.
Weed the garden regularly to prevent competition for nutrients. Potatoes grow best in weed-free soil. Adding a layer of mulch can help reduce weeds and keep the soil moist.
As the potato plants grow, you may need to “hill” the soil around them. This means mounding up soil around the base of the plants to cover the lower stems. Hilling protects the developing tubers from sunlight, which can cause them to turn green.
Final Thoughts
Potatoes are not fertilized when green sprouts appear. The green sprouts indicate that the potato is ready to grow. Fertilization happens before planting and again when the plants are established. The key to growing healthy potatoes is timing your fertilizer applications and using the right nutrients.
Green sprouts are a good sign, but managing them carefully ensures strong, healthy plants. By providing the right care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of potatoes at the end of the season.
