Potatoes

[fuggy]

I wish to grow potatoes for around christmas, I am unable to buy seed potatoes,will normal ones do?

[Buenchico]

This question has come up before, with mayt ABers saying that they've had success from planting supermarket potatoes but with some reports of lower yields.

This MSE thread is relevant:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2302225/should-i-buy-proper-seed-potatoes-or-can-i-use-supermarket-spuds-instead

. . . and this is from just 2 days ago here on AB:
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/ChatterBank/Question1714243.html

[Buenchico]

^^^ mayt?? many!

[TonyV]

You can get some here.

https://www.thompson-morgan.com/potatoes-inspiration?source=google&;nooos&nooos&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0rr4BRCtARIsAB0_48Oj1GXH6SFd99TayGyvcxW59ez85Y-WLUIRhBv5bJ1Uvq8eitmeZ1waAihZEALw_wcB

[AuntPollyGrey]

Yes. Put the potatoes in a dark cool place until they produce chits - growths - you can then cut them in half or four and plant. They will need protection from the frost and cold if you want them to grow for Christmas.

[Buenchico]

As Tony indicates, all of the major seed merchants sell seed potatoes online. He's already provided a link to Thompson & Morgan but others include Suttons
https://www.suttons.co.uk/Gardening/Potatoes-Onions-Garlic/Seed-Potatoes/
and
Dobies
https://www.dobies.co.uk/Garden/Seed-Potatoes/list.htm

[Old_Geezer]

Normal shop bought spuds still grow, but mat not be potato disease free. Try them and see. Got my seed potatoes a few years back from YouGarden. Still producing for me.

[TonyV]

Yes Chris just the first one that came to mind, or could use local garden centre or nursery.

[fuggy]

Thank you all for your most helpful input, plenty of food for thought, if you excuse the pun.

[fuggy]

When would I plant them?

[Buenchico]

The RHS website has a page specifically devoted to growing potatoes for Christmas:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=593

. . . as does the BBC Gardeners' World website:
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-potatoes-for-christmas/

They should help you decide upon upon the best time for planting.

[webbo3]

the only difference between shop bought eating potatoes and seed potatoes id they haven't been treated, its the same with shop bought garlic.