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23-07-2010, 03:21 PM
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True Seeds from Potatos
Hi, my Maris Piper potato plants have flowered and formed many round seed heads. I understand that these can be diced and left in water for the seeds to seperate out, however I am wondering if anyone can tell me...
1. When is the right time to collect the seed heads? 2. How do I store the seed? 3. When would I plant it? 4. What on earth will they grow?! I hope someone can lend me their wisdom! I didn't even know tatties produced seed at the top until I saw this!  
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23-07-2010, 05:41 PM
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Hi Bex, firstly a little word of warning - these seed pods are poisonous.
You need to wait until the seeds inside the pods are ripe. The pods will feel soft rather than hard as they probably are now and you might have to wait until they fall off the plant before they turn softish. Then the seed saving is the same as for saving tomato seeds. Split the pods and squeeze the seeds out, which will be covered in a gelatinous sack to inhibit germination, put in a jar and cover with water until they start to ferment. The good seeds will sink to the bottom and the hollow seeds will float. Change the water a few times until the gelatinous sack is washed off then spread out the seeds on a glass or ceramic plate to dry completely. Store in an envelope. Sow the seeds the following spring, which should produce small tubers. These are then planted the following year to produce a crop. True potato seeds do not grow true to type so you will end up with a variety of plants.
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06-08-2010, 12:41 PM
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06-08-2010, 06:24 PM
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Hi Thomas, so did I  You are quite right, the gelatinous sack around the seed does inhibit germination. It contains chemicals that stop the seeds sprouting while they are inside the fruit.  Vegetable Gardens » Blog Archive » Tomato Seed Saving
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