Are my potatos OK or should I chuck them?

[Nicky]

I've just got back from planting my asparagus on the lottie and I'm a bit worried about my seed potatos. They're in my greenhouse to chit but they're going soft... should I plant then now and hope or are they going bad and hence I should chuck them?

[shirlthegirl43]

Not totally sure why this would have happened but I had some that went kind of wrinkly last year. The shoots were still healthy looking so I planted them and got good crops. Would chuck them if they are wet or soggy though as that would indicate rotting.

[Two_Sheds]

Is the greenhouse too warm for them? Stick 'em in the ground, they've got two choices

[bubblewrap]

I've just got back from planting my asparagus on the lottie and I'm a bit worried about my seed potatos. They're in my greenhouse to chit but they're going soft... should I plant then now and hope or are they going bad and hence I should chuck them?

Had mine in spare bedroom they went soft(ish)but with good shoots I planted out yesterday(22nd) I think they should be OK!

[cheshire61]

Providing there's no sign of rot then plant them they should be ok i had the same problem last year and still got a good crop get them in the ground this weekend
good luck
HAPPY GARDENING

[Flummery]

Seed potatoes do sometimes go wrinkly - the strength is going into the new shoots. If they go slimy or smelly I'd chuck them but there's nothing wrong with wrinklies!

[Nicos]

I agree with the other experts
Bendy is OK, Black patches/smelly ( fishy) / slimey is not.

[rustylady]

Plant them, going soft and wrinkly is usually caused by keeping them too dry and warm but they should be OK in the ground

[johnty greentoes]

I'm new to spuds - most things actually - I have Arran Piper (1st earlies chitting in the garage byt the window so cool & light.

The shoots are purple and green and look like potato leaves (well they would wouldn't they) but they don't look like the white buds that Monty Don has said they should.

Am I a hoticultural hypochondriac or am I OK?

[Alice]

Your potatoes sound fine to me, Nicky. Just plant them.

[shirlthegirl43]

I'm new to spuds - most things actually - I have Arran Piper (1st earlies chitting in the garage byt the window so cool & light.

The shoots are purple and green and look like potato leaves (well they would wouldn't they) but they don't look like the white buds that Monty Don has said they should.

Am I a hoticultural hypochondriac or am I OK?

The shoots on my spuds last year and this were just as you describe and they grew just fine. Don't panic - maybe it is only a specific type of spud that does white buds.

[lyndap]

My chits are purple and green.I thought this was normal!!!

[johnty greentoes]

My chits are purple and green.I thought this was normal!!!

It was Monty Don that spooked me. He showed chitted spuds last night that looked as if he'd found them in the back of the cupboard ... which nled me to think mine should look white and buddy.

You have all put my mind at rest - ta...

[Flummery]

I think these were the ones he was putting out to chit Johnty, not ones which had already been chitted. The little white buds are where the purple and green shoots start to come from. I wouldn't worry about chitting so much. I always do it but some people reckon it's not necessary. Some chit in the light, some in the dark. Some rub off all but a couple of sprouts, some keep the lot. Everyone gets a crop! Relax kid!

[nick the grief]

They do wrinkle as they de-hydrayted. the spud is really a food source for the new plant as the shoots grow they will deteriorate. You could try sptaying them with a weak (1/2 strength ) seaweed feed thet may plump them up a bit but I wouldn't worry too much. Just make sure they aren't tooo warm.