Potato chilling period?

littlejo 6/22/2012, 5:04 pm

My early spring potatoes were eaten by some bugs (orange) Tops only, but did not make potatoes. Does anyone know how long potatoes need to be chilled, before they will sprout? I've been told that potatoes will do ok down here planting late as long as I protect from freezing. Thanks

Jo

**rowena___.** 6/22/2012, 5:49 pm

i have never chilled my potatoes before planting. i just wait until i see sprouts on them, then plant.

**walshevak** 6/22/2012, 8:55 pm

Don't chill potatos. Just put into a dry spot until they either start sprouting or it is planting time. You will be able to see the eyes so you can cut the bigger ones into chits.

Kay

**camprn** 6/22/2012, 11:24 pm

They do not need to be chilled, but the do require a period of dormancy before they will sprout again.

Here's some good reading about the subject.
http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNAAV709.pdf

genes 6/23/2012, 10:19 am

From camprn's interesting source:

Storage temperature.
High storage temperatures accelerate the physiological aging processes within the tuber, thus reducing the dormant period. In some varieties, however, a fluctuating storage temperature or a "cold shock" of two to four weeks at reduced temperatures (below 10°C) is more effective in shortening the dormant period than storage at a constant high temperature.

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Potato chilling period?

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