How Deep Do You Plant a Potato?

A potato plant sprouts from an eye on the seed piece.

When planting potatoes, you use seed pieces, which can be whole potatoes or pieces of potatoes that have at least one good eye each, according to University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Depth Range

According to Oregon State University, gardeners should plant potato seed pieces 2 to 6 inches below the surrounding soil level. University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends planting the seed pieces 4 inches below the soil surface with the eyes facing up.

Sun-greening

When potatoes get too much light exposure, they turn green because they produce chlorophyll. They also produce a toxic, colorless alkaloid called solanine. Shallow planting increases the risk of sun-greening. University of Florida Extension recommends "hilling" potato plants as sprouts emerge to prevent sun-greening. To hill your potatoes, add 2 to 3 inches of soil once sprouts reach the soil surface.

Emergence

Potato plant has to emerge before the seed piece decays. When it emerges, it usually already has enough root and foliage reserves to not need the seed piece. Planting the seed piece too deep in the soil could reduce the chances of the plant surviving.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing Potatoes at Home
• Oregon State University: Field Preparation
• Purdue University Extension: Potatoes Turning Green