Seed Potato

Why choose to buy seed potatoes? 

Few things in the garden are more rewarding than growing potatoes. Here's why they're a must-have in our patch, and why we think you'll love them in yours:

•  A rewarding harvest: They're wonderfully straightforward to grow, making them perfect if you're just starting out. Our experts handpick them based on flavour and reliability. Our seed potatoes are also DEFRA or SEERAD certified.
  
• Veg grown for a healthy garden: We want your spuds to be as healthy and hardy as possible. That’s why our seed potatoes are certified under the Safe Haven Certification Scheme. This means they
  are grown from disease-free stock to help protect your patch against pests and diseases not native to Britain.

• A generous crop: You don't need acres of space. Even a few pots or a grow bag can give you a surprisingly good return. It’s a great feeling when you have a sack of your own spuds ready and waiting in the kitchen.

Seed potatoes FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy seed potatoes in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When is a good time to plant seed potatoes? 

The best time to plant seed potatoes is in early spring, usually from March to April, depending on your local climate. If you're in a milder part of the country, you can often get them started as early as February. April is the ideal month for getting your second early varieties into the soil.
Before planting, it's recommended to “chit” the seed potatoes: 

1. Get them settled: Stand your seed potatoes in a spare seed tray or old egg boxes. Make sure the end with the fewest dents or 'eyes' is facing upwards, as this is where the new shoots will sprout from.
2. Find the right spot: Pop the trays somewhere cool (around7°C), bright and protected from frost – a porch or a windowsill in a spare room is often perfect.
3. Know what to look for: The goal is to see sturdy, dark-coloured shoots (green or purple is great) grow to about an inch long. If you notice the shoots are long, pale, and spindly, it's a sign they need more light and less warmth.
4. Encourage slow starters: If your spuds are a bit slow to sprout, you can give them a boost. About three weeks before you plan to plant them out, move them somewhere warmer for a couple of weeks, then return them to their cool spot for the final week.
   
   

How is best to plant seed potatoes?

Wondering how to plant and grow seed potatoes? It's pretty straightforward and rewarding with our guide.

1. Plant and space correctly: Dig a trench or individual holes 10cm (4 inches) deep. For first earlies, second earlies, and salad varieties, space them 30cm apart in rows that are 45cm apart. For main crop potatoes, space them 40cm apart in rows that are 60cm apart.
2. Earth up as they grow: Once shoots appear, gently draw soil over them to create a ridge. This protects the new growth from frost and stops your potatoes from turning green. Repeat this as they grow until the ridge is about 20cm high.
3. Water and feed: Potatoes get thirsty, so water them well during dry spells, especially when they begin to flower. For an extra boost, you can add a specialist potato fertiliser when you earth them up.

Why buy seed Potatoes from Marshalls?

• Advice from fellow gardeners: We're a team of passionate experts with over 70 years of experience, and we're here to help six days a week, even on bank holidays. You can also explore our helpful growing guides
• Speedy, green-fingered delivery: We know you're keen to get planting, so we offer fast delivery on all our seed potatoes for sale, We care for the environment too, so all our packaging is fully recyclable.
•  A name you can trust: Your gardening success is our success, which is why we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We're proud of our thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot  and achieving second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.