Before you plant your potato tubers in the soil, it’s crucial to prepare them for sowing.
1. Green the Potatoes
The first step is to green the potatoes. This process protects them from pests and fungal diseases. The green coloration indicates the production of corneal, which serves as a protective agent. Lay the potatoes out in a single layer in a bright room, turning them every three days. This procedure should last for at least fifteen days.
2. Sort by Size
Next, divide the potatoes according to size, as smaller tubers will take longer to germinate. Classify them as follows:
- Small: 30 to 50 grams
- Medium: 50 to 65 grams
- Large: 65 to 110 grams
3. Disinfect the Tubers
Before planting, spray the tubers with a disinfecting solution made from 0.2 g of manganese mixed with 5 g of copper sulfate in 2500 ml of water. This will help disinfect the tubers and eliminate any surface fungus.
Methods for Sprouting Potatoes:
Option 1: Net or Bag Method
Place the potatoes in nets or transparent bags with holes. Hang the bags in a bright room, and after twenty days, the tubers will sprout. Limit the number of potatoes to twenty per net.
Option 2: Box with Sawdust
Lay the tubers in a single layer in boxes filled with wet sawdust and cover them with plastic film. They should germinate in fifteen days at a temperature between 10 to 14 degrees Celsius. Monitor the humidity during this period.
Option 3: Dry Room Method
Spread the tubers in boxes in three non-dense layers on the floor of a dry room. Move the boxes to a well-lit room with a temperature of twenty degrees. After a couple of weeks, you’ll notice eyes starting to form. At this stage, transfer the tubers to wet peat for another couple of weeks to encourage the growth of additional roots.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your potato tubers are well-prepared for planting and ready for a successful growing season!
