Christmas Potato Plants FAQs
Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Christmas Potato Plants in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.
When to Plant Christmas Potato Plants
Christmas potato plants should be planted in late July to early August. This timing allows the potatoes to mature just in time for a December harvest. It’s important to use early potato varieties, as they have a shorter growing season and are better suited for this purpose. Plant the seed potatoes in containers or grow bags filled with good-quality, well-drained compost. Place the containers in a sunny, sheltered spot to give the plants the warmth they need to grow.
How to Grow Christmas Potato Plants
To grow Christmas potato plants, begin by chitting the seed potatoes—allowing them to sprout before planting. Once they have small, sturdy shoots, plant them about 10-15 cm deep in containers filled with compost. As the plants grow, keep adding compost to cover the stems, leaving the top leaves exposed—this process is known as earthing up. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to ensure the tubers develop well. If temperatures start to drop significantly in late autumn, consider bringing the containers indoors or covering them with fleece to protect the plants from frost.
How Long Does It Take to Harvest Christmas Potato Plants?
Christmas potato plants typically take around 12 to 14 weeks to mature, making them ready to harvest from late November to December. You’ll know they’re ready when the foliage begins to die back, signalling that the tubers have reached a good size. To harvest, carefully tip out the containers and collect your potatoes. Freshly harvested Christmas potatoes are a real treat, with a flavour and texture that far surpasses store-bought options. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dark place if you need to store them for a few weeks before Christmas.
Why Grow Christmas Potato Plants?
Growing Christmas potato plants is a wonderful way to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce during the winter months. There’s something special about serving potatoes from your garden at Christmas, adding a personal touch to your festive meals. These potatoes are easy to grow and can be cultivated in small spaces, such as patios, balconies, or greenhouses. Additionally, growing your own Christmas potatoes ensures that you can enjoy a truly fresh harvest, free from the chemicals and preservatives often found in store-bought produce.
Where Can You Grow Christmas Potato Plants?
Christmas potato plants are ideally grown in containers, which can be moved to a frost-free location if needed. A sunny patio, greenhouse, or even a sheltered spot in the garden can work well. Because they are grown in containers, they are also suitable for those with limited outdoor space. Ensure that the containers are large enough to allow for proper tuber development and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. With the right care, you can successfully grow Christmas potatoes in most parts of the UK, bringing a touch of homegrown cheer to your holiday season.
Why Sweet Potatoes from Marshalls?
- Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Christmas Potato Plants.
- You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
- We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
- We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
- Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.
