How to Propagate Tubers

Potatoes are the most common type of tubers.

Tubers are the part of a plant that stores energy for food and overwintering. Tubers are generally thick rhizomes, roots or stolons that grow underground. Sometimes tubers are edible; such is the case with potatoes and sweet potatoes. Tubers are commonly propagated to save the gardener money and to clone the specific plant variety and prevent impurities in the next growing season. With a little practice, any gardener can successfully propagate tuber plants.

Things You'll Need

• Plant tray
• Sandy loam potting soil
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Fill a tray with 1 to 2 inches of sandy loam potting soil. This type of soil is available from most garden centers.

2. Place the tubers 2 inches apart and 1 inch deep with the top of the tuber sticking out of the ground.

3. Place the tray in an area that is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Cut the tuber into sections that include at least one shoot and some roots, once the tuber has sprouted.

5. Dust off the cuts and let the tuber dry.

6. Plant the tubers in potting soil so that they are completely buried once dried and water the soil. Place the tuber into a bright humid area until the plants begin to grow.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Landscape Propagation Book
• University of Minnesota Extension: Tuberous Begonias
• University of California Davis: Propagating Bulbous Plants
• University of Alaska Fairbanks: Growing & Overwintering Fuchsia, Geranium, Dahliaand Tuberous Begonia